LPGM STAFF
Mark Warpmaeker, Executive Director
Mark Warpmaeker joined LPGM as its Executive Director on October 11, 2011. Mark brings to LPGM his passions for global ministry and connecting people to their mission in life. Mark’s passion for global ministry began with a summer in Zimbabwe while in seminary and has grown with each congregation he served. Ordained in 1997, Mark has served churches in Texas and Minnesota as Senior Pastor, and Pastor of Faith Formation, Adult Discipleship and Youth and Family. Mark’s wife, Beth, is Pastor of Congregational Life and Outreach at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in south Minneapolis. They live in Hopkins, Minnesota, with their two boys, Nathan and Jacob. As a family they enjoy traveling and exploring all of God’s creation.
Gordon Olson, Founding Director
Gordon Olson is now the the Founding Director of Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry. He and his wife, Betty Olson, founded LPGM. Employed part time by the organization, Gordon is responsible for fund raising, establishing new partnerships and the coordination of local and global activities. In addition, Gordon organizes global travel and gives presentations to partners and potential partners. As a former educator, he is especially interested in mission education and the education of children abroad.
Naomi Christensen Staruch, Managing Director
After traveling to Bangui Central African Republic with the Olsons for the dedication of St. Timothy Lutheran Church in 1993, Naomi felt called to be involved in global mission work here at home. She is a charter board member of LPGM and she also helped Betty and Gordon Olson with the logistics of starting the organization. Naomi brings a unique perspective through an education/psychology degree, broad global travel, 22 years in the financial services sector, and management consulting experience. She and her husband Steve are active at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the Church of Christ the King, both in Minneapolis. Naomi joined the staff in September 2009.
Anne Westby, Donor Administrator
Anne joined the LPGM staff in February 2008 as a part-time Donor Administrator. She has been a strong supporter of LPGM and has traveled on five LPGM trips, including Argentina and India. When she is not working at LPGM, Anne does freelance word processing and transcription from her home. Anne, her husband Doug, and their two daughters are members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Betty Olson,
Project Education India Administrator
Betty Olson is retired from a 30-year career in school nursing in which she served the Roseville and St. Paul Public Schools in Minnesota, and Rockford, Illinois public schools. Since the beginning of LPGM, she has spent many hours volunteering and began employment with LPGM on a part-time basis in May 2006. Betty often accompanies her husband, Gordon, on trips abroad and to congregations for global mission presentations. Over the last several years, she has assisted their daughter and son-in-law, Karna and Bob Hauck, with their growing family of five children–first a son, then triplets (one boy and two girls) and a daughter. Gordon and Betty are active members at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and associate members at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield, Minnesota.
Karen Anderson, Financial Administrator
Karen Anderson joined the Lutheran Partners team in January of 2011. She has more than 25 years of financial accounting experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Karen volunteered her time to help with the start up of LPGM as well as Spirit Garage, a new church launched by Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where she and her family are members. She enjoys spending time with her family – husband Brent and children Luke & Abby – outdoor activities, and visiting their cabin in Wisconsin.
