New Jersey Synod Staff
Rev. Dean Brown
Rev. Dean Brown began in September 2019 as an Assistant to the Bishop.
Email: dbrown@njsynod.org
Home Office: 732-747-1050
Synod Office: 609-586-6800 ext 105
Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Maristela Freiberg
Rev. Maristela Freiberg has served as Director for Evangelical Mission since October 2013. She works with mission and redevelopment congregations, as well as help congregations discover how God is working through them.
Email: maristela.freiberg@elca.org
Phone: 201-407-6000
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Kimberly Vaughn
Rev. Vaughn helps congregations connect their understanding of Christian discipleship and witness with God’s love for all people, so that they can find ways to include, reflect and celebrate the diversity of their surrounding communities.
Email: kvaughn@njsynod.org
Phone: 609-586-6800, ext. 117
Assistant to the Bishop
Rev. Sara Lilja
Rev. Sara Lilja has served as director since 2011. LEAMNJ partners with coalition partners around the state of New Jersey to advocate on issues related to hunger, housing, economic empowerment, immigration and community violence. In addition, Rev. Lilja can help congregations learn more about using their voice in the public square.
Email: slilja@leamnj.org
Phone: 609-586-6800 x114
Lutherans Engaging in Advocacy Ministry, New Jersey, Director
LuAnn Barnes
LuAnn Barnes has served on the Synod Staff since January 2002, and is available if one needs to reach Bishop Tracie Bartholomew or for any Synod Council or Fund for Mission-related information and questions.
Email: lbarnes@njsynod.org
Phone: 609-586-6800 x119
Executive Administrative Assistant
Lois Parrett
Lois Parrett is our bookkeeper, and brings experience as an accountant. She processes the finances of the synod, and is available to help out with any questions regarding Mission Support.
Email: lparrett@njsynod.org
Phone: 609-586-6800 x116
Director of Synod Operations and Accounting
Dawn Roberts
Dawn provides administrative support to the Assistants to the Bishop, the Director for Evangelical Mission, and the Director for LEAMNJ. She is also editor of our weekly newsletter and website. Dawn has been with the synod staff since 1997.
Email: droberts@njsynod.org
Phone: 609-586-6800 x102
Administrative Assistant / Communications
Rev. Becky Resch
Rev. Becky Resch helps to manage and connect with those who are discerning calls to ministry. To find out more about the candidacy process, click here.
Email: candidacy@njsynod.org
Candidacy Coordinator
Beth Peroni
Beth coordinates pulpit supply for our congregations in a pastoral vacancy.
Email: supply@njsynod.org
Pastoral Supply Coordinator
Matt McDevitt
Matt McDevitt helps to manage the properties of synod owned buildings in the southern part of the Synod.
Email: mjmcdevitt@comcast.net
Phone: 856-366-5083
Property Manager (South)
Bob Poole
Bob Poole helps to manage the properties of synod owned buildings in the northern part of the Synod.
Email:rjpoole20@gmail.com
Phone: 914 523 8594
Property Manager (North)