Mr. Dan Nommensen, who had been serving as the synod’s director of communications, recently accepted a call to serve as a Christian giving counselor. His successor is Mrs. Carolyn Barsch. She began serving in her new position near the end of June.
Carolyn graduated in 2004 from Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wis., with a bachelor of arts degree, specializing in graphic design. She also received a master’s degree in strategic communications from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich. Previously she worked in the Adult Discipleship office at the Synod Administration Building, Milwaukee; as a communication specialist at St. Marcus, Milwaukee; as director of communications at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, Milwaukee; and most recently as the creative services manager at the WELS Center for Mission and Ministry, Waukesha, Wis.
The duties of the director of communications include:
- Advise the president, Conference of Presidents, and Synodical Council on communication opportunities and best practices.
- Coordinate the development, consistency, and integrity of WELS communications across all platforms and ensure that all synodical communications accurately reflect the synod’s doctrines, values, and priorities.
- Coordinate the creation, editing, and distribution of content for print, digital, video, and social media platforms, including Forward in Christ, WELS Connection, wels.net, Together and En Christo newsletters, Book of Reports and Memorials, Report to the Twelve Districts, and other key publications.
- Serve as a spokesperson for WELS in dealing with the media.
- Work with the president to prepare and distribute press releases.
- Work with the Crisis Management Team, ensuring preparedness and response to sensitive issues.
- Oversee the monitoring of WELS mentions on social media.
- Support and advise communications strategies for special initiatives.
- Collaborate to establish communication goals and messaging strategies for special events.
Carolyn is looking forward to her new role. “I am humbled and honored to step into the role of director of communications at WELS Center for Mission and Ministry. I originally accepted the position of creative services manager for WELS Communication Services, but I kept seeing God’s hand guiding me to consider the director role. I’m exactly where he meant me to be.”
We pray for God’s blessings as she begins to serve.
Serving with you in Christ,
WELS President Mark Schroeder
