SYNOD COUNCIL
The synod council is the board of directors for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod and serves as the synod’s interim legislative authority between meetings of the synod assembly.
Officers
The Rev. Christopher deForest - Bishop
In transition - Vice President and Chair of the Council
Carl Shankweiler - Secretary
Donald Boyer - Treasurer
Members
Brian Beissel (2024)
Pattie Corcoran (2023)
Helen Davis (2025)
Richard deLuca (2025)
Maritza Torres Dolich (2025)
Jim Doxsey (2024)
Chris Druckenmiller
Joshua Fink (2023)
Gregory Frey (2023)
Stephen Hikes (2025)
Andy Hottenstein (2025)
Elizabeth Leibenguth (2024)
Louise McCloughan (2023)
Amy Mietelski (2024)
Wes Poole (2024)
Rashion “Woody” Santiago
Carl Shankweiler (2023)
Spencer Steele (2024)
Linda Zawaski (2025)
Cassandra Teter (2023, Youth)
Dan Tobey (2023, Youth)
Meetings
The Synod Council normally meets four times a year. Visitors are welcome to sit in on council meetings except for executive sessions.
Facts and Responsibilities
The council consists of the four officers (Bishop, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), two youth members, and twenty other people, nine of whom are elected by the nine mission districts. Officers are elected by the Synod Assembly. The Bishop serves for a term of six years; the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected for terms of four years. The two youth members, one male and one female, are elected for two-year terms. The Vice President is limited to two consecutive terms in office, must be a layperson and may not receive a salary. The Secretary and Treasurer may be either lay or ordained and may or may not receive compensation for their duties.
