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Meet the Call Committee at King of Kings

Steve Schwanke

As a Partner with Inland Development Partners, Steve provides land development, redevelopment and site selection for clients. With more than 40 years of experience, Steve adds particular value in advising on large-scale development and redevelopment opportunities and in assisting with commercial real estate and land decisions. In addition, he specializes in land planning, entitlements, zoning and master planning projects for commercial and mixed-use projects. Steve is active in a number of professional associations and frequently speaks on land development, redevelopment and economic development topics.

Scott McKinnon

Scott lives in Woodbury Minnesota with his wife Jen and children Aiden and Isla. Scott has been in the movie and film industry since 2006, currently with Universal Studios as the Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer, specializing in retail innovation and strategic growth.  Scott and family have been members of King of Kings for over 10 years and have the honor of participating in various activities and volunteer positions. Away from church you will find Scott keeping up with his kids, cheering for the MN Wild, or out walking Finn, the family dog.

Bruce Backberg

Bruce is a lifelong Minnesotan—born in Staples, graduated from Duluth East High School, Concordia College (Moorhead), and the U of M Law School. Cindy and I were married in 1970, and we have three children and five granddaughters all of whom live within 15 miles of us. After Law School, I spent four years in the Marine Corps- moving six times and ending in Woodbury. My entire career was with The St. Paul Companies/Travelers in the Corporate Law Department. We are charter members of King of Kings, and have loved watching it develop into what it has become today, doing whatever we could to help along the way.

Jo Ann Weber

My name is Jo Ann Weber. I was raised in New Ulm. MN., and received a BS in Nursing from Mankato University. In 1973, I married Keith Weber and we have three adult children and five grand children. I live in Stillwater and am a retired R.N. My husband Keith and I are charter members of King of Kings and consider it our extended family of faith. I have been a member of both ReDonne, an earlier women’s choir, and currently sing with the King’s choir. I am also a 13 year member of the God’s Gals ministry. As a part of my faith journey we have been members of numerous other Lutheran churches in the upper midwest and in Europe due to my husband’s relocation with 3M. During these seven relocations, I was involved in a wide variety of nursing jobs throughout my career, ranging from public health to hospital to school nursing. I believe we are all called to serve others as Jesus did by example. I am honored and privileged to call King of Kings my church home.

Jo Bowman

-member of King of Kings since 2019

-retired RN

-lifelong Lutheran in 12 different congregations

-former board president at Luther Crest Bible Camp, Alexandria MN

-dedicated to drawing closer to God through prayer, study, worship. music and fellowship.

-has two sons and one grandson in the Twin Cities

Tricia Dege

Tricia Dege and her husband, Brian, have been members of King of Kings since 2010. They joined King of Kings after their daughter, Claire, was born so that she could be baptized here. Both Claire, and her younger sister, Grace, have grown their faith through King of Kings – in Ready, Set, Grow, Kids of the Kingdom, VBS, and now confirmation. The family’s favorite event is Fall Festival. Tricia’s parents, Larry and Susan Mason, are also active members of King of Kings. They joined after moving to Woodbury in 2014. Professionally, Tricia was the Chief Financial Officer for hospitals and clinics at HealthPartners. She recently started a leadership development firm focused on women business leaders. She also volunteers for Hope for Tomorrow and New Life Academy and was a Girl Scout leader for several years. She is a consensus builder and collaborative partner.

Alternate- Laura Griffith

My name is Laura Griffith and I am blessed to serve as an Alternate on our Call Committee.  My husband, Scott, and I have been members of King of Kings for nearly 24 years.  During that time, we have baptized and raised both of our children, Daniel & Annika, in the church.  I have been involved in many of the children’s programs from working in the nursery, to Ready Set Grow Preschool and Kids of the Kingdom, right up through leading one of the middle school and high school small groups.  I’ve enjoyed helping out in the kitchen at several of our church events and am currently involved in two of our Women’s Ministry Groups (God’s Gals – Precept Study & Alpha Omega), The King’s Speakers (Toastmasters at King of Kings), and now this Call Committee.  We typically attend the 10:45 worship service.

Alternate- Scott Berchert

Scott was born on the south side of Chicago in 1951. He grew up in Chicago and then Milwaukee where he completed high school and received a BA from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In 1975 Scott moved to St. Paul and attended William Mitchell College of Law, receiving a J. D. in 1979. He worked at the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, prosecuting cases in Juvenile Court and the Welfare Division.

Scott then moved to the Minnesota Department of Commerce where he served in several roles regulating the financial services industry for 25 years.

In 2006 Scott was hired by the Financial Regulatory Authority as their State Liaison. He represented FINRA in its partnership with state financial services regulators for 11 years, retiring in 2018. Scott spent 22 years of joy with his late wife and partner Dayna and now lives with his daughter Lydia who brings humor, art, and joy to his life. Life brings happiness and sadness, rewards and challenges, but the constant is God’s love. As a member for over 24 years I have found a spiritual home at King of Kings and a true spiritual guide in Pastor Jon. I am so grateful for his support and inspiration through life’s good times and not so good times.

Council Representative- Brian Gager

Brian is the Service Line Executive for the Neuroscience and Musculoskeletal Service Lines with MHealth/Fairview.  He has held many leadership roles in Hospital Operations, Practice Operations and Service Line Leadership.

 

Some of Brian’s past leadership roles were with HealthEast as Vice President, Operations – Acute Care & Surgical Services.  Prior to HealthEast Brian worked at and held many leadership roles with Mayo Clinic including Vice President of Practice Operations for Southwest Minnesota and chair for the Midwest Hospital Practice Subcommittee.

 

Brian earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and holds a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Kansas, School of Medicine.  Brian also has a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives and serves on many healthcare boards as well and is an active member with the Minnesota Hospital Association where he serves on the Healthcare Leadership institute Planning Task Force.

Staff Representative- Laurel Bornholtz

Laurel Bornholtz is the Managing Director of Congregational Education at King of Kings. She was previously on staff from 2002-2012 serving as the Director of Children’s Ministry and Director of Children, Student and Family Ministry. Laurel and her family joined King of Kings in 1996 with both children being raised in faith through Kids of the Kingdom, Confirmation, and high school ministry. In addition to her work with education and connection groups at our church, Laurel is a member in the God’s GALS precept study and the Alpha Omega women’s study.