R5.1 Chief Administrative Officer

R5.1

Chief Administrative Officer The work of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is succinctly described in Bylaw 3.4.2: the CAO “shall assist the Board of Directors of the Synod in carrying out the responsibilities given to it by the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.” Over the past triennium, there was significant work related to legal matters. The CAO’s office manages these efforts by coordinating LCMS legal counsel, local legal counsel, stakeholders internal and external to corporate Synod, the Board of Directors, and others as necessary. With three significant legal matters active during large parts of the triennium (HotChalk, Concordia University Texas, and Hong Kong International School Association, Ltd.), and other items frequently arising requiring attention, this was no small task during the last triennium.

Beyond these legal efforts, and in other work with many exter - nal stakeholders including Concordia University System and the Concordia universities, the CAO represents and supports the Synod Board of Directors and undertakes significant efforts in the work of corporate Synod, some of which are highlighted as follows:

2026 Convention Workbook 50 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS A. Operations Service Coordination (OSC)

Operations Service Coordination provides the communication and coordination link between the Operations Department and the departments of the LCMS. OSC also ensures that policies and procedures are in place to ensure Operations Services are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. Through regular communication, OSC makes sure that the needs of the departments are being met. OSC works closely with Concordia Plan Services (CPS) in managing the help desk team that supports both organizations.

B. Technology Applications Group (TAG)

The Technology Applications Group is dedicated to the application of technology solutions that enable the ministry and business functions of LCMS to operate in the most innovative and cost-effective manner possible. TAG provides technical support to the major LCMS Business Applications: Banner Accounting, PayCom Human Resources Information System, LCMS Information Support Network, Blackbaud Constituent Resource Management System, M365 toolset, and LCMS websites. TAG also provides technical support to many other department-specific tools: Genetec Security Camera, P Badge System, Office365 Applications, and others. Various applications of technology solutions are prioritized by the LCMS Operations Team with OSS providing technical expertise to approved projects.

C. Information Technology Desktop and Infrastructure Support Services CPS provides network infrastructure support for the LCMS.

This includes the help desk, now staffed fully by CPS employees, and many infrastructure support functions. Oakwood Technology Group is the primary outsourced provider for infrastructure support.

D. Mail and Print Services (MPS)

Mail Services handles all mailing (standard mail, express mail and packages) from the International Center (IC) properties, including USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The MPS staff also provide the following special services: preparation of bulk mailings, address labeling, folding, envelope/mailer inserting, bulk paper delivery (for copiers/printers), and managing overnight package mailing needs.

Print Services provides full-service printing to not only the departments of the LCMS but also to CPS and the LCMS Foundation.

Print Services include: full-color and black/white printing, large format printing, envelope printing, folding, cutting, GBC plastic comb binding, booklet-making, padding, three-hole punching, lamination, photocopying, and wide format printing (banners, posters, stickers), as well as personal printing services for our employees.

We are also expanding these services to local LCMS congregations and schools.

E. Reception and Meeting Services (RMS)

Reception and Meeting Services is responsible for coordinating meetings and events that take place at the IC. This includes assistance with room scheduling and set up, as well as any event catering needs. RMS provides Front Desk services ensuring that all guests are greeted in a friendly and professional manner. The Front Desk also ensures all building entry security policies and procedures are followed.

sources (HR) holds Gal. 5:13, “through love serve one another,” as the pillar of our values. With that mindset, we are able to provide consummate HR services to over 350 employees, both domestic and internationally deployed, so that all may succeed in furthering the Church’s mission to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. This is a wonderful opportunity and an immense chal - lenge, for which we are grateful to serve.

HR coordinates the development and administration of per - sonnel policies, procedures, and supporting systems within and between boards, commissions, departments, entities, and other agencies of the Synod. The last triennium presented opportunities to concentrate on enhancing the employee experience at the Inter - national Center (IC) from a system and process standpoint.

HR was successful in carrying out a number of accomplishments in this triennium, starting with the acquisition of a new human resources information system, implemented in October 2025. This system allowed our department to efficiently coordinate efforts and deliver comprehensive services to our employees at the IC.

A restructured HR service delivery with IC entities has allowed HR to redirect more targeted services to our missionaries around the world, with specific focus on recruiting and talent development.

This endeavor continues to bear fruit!

From a recruiting standpoint, we have hired key leadership positions in the program areas including executive director of the Office of National Mission, a director of discipleship ministry, and a director of video production.

Lastly, I am proud of our team’s efforts to create a best-in-class onboarding program to ensure employees are properly enculturated into the organization, enhancing engagement and long-term reten - tion.

HR is well positioned to execute on the strategy for the next triennium. Our objectives include: increasing efficiencies in service delivery with existing resources; creating a learning culture with the specific goal of developing leaders; enhancing engagement as long-tenured employees retire and new talent is hired; and providing support and education for employees that assists them in all stages of their vocational life cycle. Accomplishment of these objectives will lead to enhanced service delivery to the boards, commissions, agencies, departments, and corporate entities we support so that they can focus on their mission.

Nathan Thomas, Executive Director