Full-time Staff
Bishop Jeffrey Clements
As bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod, Bishop Clements serves as the Synod’s pastor of Word and Sacrament. He is the Synod’s President and Chief Executive and Administrative Officer, spiritual leader, preacher, and teacher.
Find out more about Bishop Jeffrey Clements.
Deacon Cheryl Erdmann
Assistant to the Bishop for Candidacy and Special Events
- Candidacy for Rostered Ministry in the ELCA
- Relates to the Congregational Life Committee
- Events Coordinator for special events, including the Congregational Resourcing Event and the Professional Leaders Conference
- Synod Assembly Co-chairperson
- Nominating Committee Coordinator
- Receives applications for the Gary Wollersheim Rostered Ministers Debt Reduction Fund grants and the Continuing Education and Sabbatical grants.
309-794-4004 (office)
815-236-6657 (mobile)
The Rev. Gary Erickson
Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM)
- Stewardship
- Outreach Committee
- Racial Justice Team
- Liaison to the East and Northeast Conferences
309-794-4004 (office)
815-289-6055 (mobile)
The Rev. Pat Esker
Assistant to the Bishop for Operations and Governance
- Relates to the Constitution Review Committee
- Relates to the Resolutions Committee
- Relates to Synod Council
- Synod Statistician-including roster changes
- Oversight of Synod communications
- Oversight of Synod policies and procedures
- Oversight of Synod financials
- Oversight of legal matters
309-794-4004 (office)
815-297-5186 (mobile)
Deacon Karin Graddy
Assistant to the Bishop for Communication
- Synod newsletter Making Christ Known
- e-mail news Walking Together
- Synod website
- Synod event tech director
- Congregational Communicators Network
- Coordinator of Synod Youth Staff and Programs
- media relations
- other publications
309-794-4004 (office)
815-762-0758 (mobile)
The Rev. Marilyn Hanson
Assistant to the Bishop
- Call Process Coordinator
- Synod Assembly Co-chairperson
- Relates to the Ministry Support Committee
- Liaison to the Central and South Conferences
309-794-4004 (office)
815-494-7599 (mobile)
Part-time Staff
The Rev. Dr. Denver Bitner
Assistant to the Bishop for the North and Northwest Conferences
- Relates to North Conference, Northwest Conference, and Synod staff
- Call process
- Pastoral Care
- Communication
- Liaison to Social Ministry Committee
- Other duties as assigned by the bishop
- Reports to the Bishop
815-979-4245
The Rev. Michel Clark
Assistant to the Bishop for the West and Southwest Conferences
- Relates to West Conference, Southwest Conference, and Synod staff
- Call process
- Pastoral Care
- Communication
- Liaison to Rural Ministry Committee and Jenny Lind Chapel
- Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center Board
- Other duties as assigned by the bishop
- Reports to the Bishop
309-368-9102
Support Staff
Nancy Corey
Administrative Assistant to Pastor Gary Erickson; Registrar
Rock Island Office
309-794-4004