Reintroducing District Staff

You are connecting us to congregations, ministries, and schools in Word and Sacrament by your
support and prayers. Ministry (not bureaucracy) is what we do.

LeeAnn Acosta, Business Manager/Treasurer
The main role of the Business office is supporting the overall mission of the LCMS Northern Illinois District through solid financial oversight and good stewardship of District resources. We strive to “move money into ministry.” Fun Fact: I have learned to cook and enjoy Cuban food through my husband and his family. Buen Provecho!

Anna Albrecht, Communications Associate
Assisting in communications with the churches of the NID, its members and workers, and donors. This is accomplished through accurate database support, website updates, and the production of group email newsletters. Fun Fact: I enjoy going on walks with my husband and daughter.

Rev. Dr. Allan Buss, District President
As the District President, I am a pastor who serves as an overseer (Bishop) to the congregations, schools, and professional church workers in Northern Illinois. Some of the work involves preaching, administration, pastoral care, ecclesiastical discipline, and promoting the work and mission of Jesus Christ. I represent the NID to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and believe a part of my role is to be involved in my local community and encourage mission outside the congregation. Fun Fact: I love to bicycle and cheer on the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers.

Ann Ciaccio, Director of Communications
Supporting the overall mission of the LCMS Northern Illinois District through communications with our stakeholders including congregations, church workers, congregation members, donors, Recognized Service Organizations, and people outside the walls of the church. We do this through our websites, emails, social media, database, print publications, public relations, and branding. Fun Fact: I am a compulsive organizer.

Sue Green, District Services Coordinator
Supporting the mission of the LCMS Northern Illinois District through organizing events for our constituents to gather to hear the Word, to provide Witness opportunities, and to enjoy fellowship. Supporting our Commissioned Ministers by ensuring the appropriate roster category with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Fun Fact: I find it energizing to speak in public.

Michelle La Velle, President’s Office
Supporting the mission of the LCMS Northern Illinois District by assisting our District President, our ordained ministers, and congregations in upholding the statement, we are all in this together! I support our District President in his daily tasks and commitments, assist our ordained ministers with roster-related inquiries, and congregations seeking calls. Fun Fact: I survived a nine mile hike around Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park.

Rev. John Prohl, Assistant to the President
Primarily focusing on helping congregations and ministries restore spiritually healthy relationships that have become strained or broken. Using God’s Word as our guide, relationships are rebuilt through mutual confession and forgiveness. When that occurs, a strong witness to the power of our reconciling God is given. Fun Fact: When I served in Main in the late 1970s, I was the only ordained LCMS pastor in the state.

Lois Stewart, Mission Facilitator for Schools
Supporting the Commissioned Workers in the NID as well as all contracted teachers and the Parish Nurses. What a joy to be out in schools and congregations offering support, encouragement, and resources. Being present and available are important keys as relationships are strengthened and we work together as Jesus is shared. Fun Fact: The first time I went golfing, I parred 3 holes.

Rev. Kris Whitby, Assistant to the President – Mission and Ministry
Seeking to connect with congregations, schools, and ministries in a variety of ways. I work with congregations to develop their vision for sharing the Good News of Jesus with their communities. Through my service with partners, I seek to connect ministries with the greater mission of the Church. Fun Fact: I enjoy participating in improv comedy.

Keith Wilharm, Accreditation
The National Lutheran School Accreditation Coordinator for the Northern Illinois District supports the mission of the NID by encouraging schools that provide quality Christian education to engage in continuous improvement. This is accomplished through consulting with schools and by training. Fun Fact: I enjoy spending time at my cottage in northern Wisconsin boating and appreciating God’s beautiful creation.

Joe Willmann, LCEF District Vice President for the LCMS Northern Illinois District
Rejoicing in the opportunity to serve the District as a partner in ministry, helping churches with all aspects of financial and strategic need. Fun Fact: I enjoy getting out and playing golf, so feel free to invite me out your way!