Jesse Stremcha Named Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Jesse Stremcha has been named vice president and chief development officer for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, which is among the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. He will provide overall leadership in philanthropy to engage individual donors, congregations and faith communities, and volunteers in the life-changing work of the organization. He will also serve as president of the Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Foundation.

“LSS has amazing donors who generously support our life-changing,” Stremcha said. “Over the last three years, our team has had the opportunity to know these donors better and engage them more deeply in our work. I look forward to building on the great work we’ve been able to accomplish together to do even more to support our neighbors in Minnesota.” 

Stremcha joined Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota three years ago as senior director of development to lead regional fundraising, annual giving, events and donor relations. Previously, he served as director of development operations for Children’s Hospitals of Minnesota. Earlier in his career, he served in management roles in fundraising and alumni relations at Carleton College in Northfield and Concordia University in St. Paul.

“Jesse has a caring and thoughtful way of engaging supporters in our mission and has a proven track record of growing philanthropic support that helps us provide vital services to Minnesotans,” said Interim CEO Patrick Thueson. “We’re so delighted that he has joined our leadership team.”

Stremcha is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE). He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. John’s University in Collegeville, and master’s degree in organizational management from Concordia University in St. Paul.

He currently serves on the Horizon Fund Steering Committee and Advisory Board for American Public Media Group’s Glen Nelson Center. He is a past president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for St. John’s University and has served on the GiveMN.org cabinet to share expertise on digital strategy.

In 2018, he received Lutheran Social Service’s Breakthrough and Velocity Award for innovation. He is a frequent speaker at conferences in Minnesota and nationally. Stremcha and his family live in St. Paul.