Stephen Marsh Email & Phone Number

Wawatosa, Wi

Team member of a not-for-profit independent living community offering a broad range of health services, including rehabilitation therapies, supportive living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice care.* Awarded an “above and beyond” award for support of the organization’s core mission of caring for the mind, body and spirit through an array of services, programs and enrichment opportunities for the ~400 elderly residents.* Appointed as an interim leader for the department head during extended medical leave.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

*Appointed as a board member of a synodical 501(c)3 non-profit providing strategic and financial assistance to urban congregations in economically challenged, under-represented communities.* Advanced leadership development to create strong, vibrant urban congregations with reframed perspectives, new growth paradigms, forward-looking mission and pathways for community collaboration.* Secured/managed foundation grants and donations for social justice programs focused on understanding of rapidly changing social/cultural contexts, and real issues of diversity, proximity and acceptance.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

Retained by the ELCA Greater Milwaukee Synod to advise the Council and leadership of a challenged inner-city main-line congregation. Worked collaboratively to develop a new vision and sustainable strategic plan, implement new growth paradigms, and provide leadership development.

Milwaukee, Wi

Team member of an activist think tank using finance for social change through impact investment venture funding, interdisciplinary research, and training programs to broaden what matters in our economic decisions and influence reinventing the economy and social change* Networked with philanthropy, finance, government and the social sector to shape new ways for fostering urban education and community economic development.* Engaged with civic, academic, community, non-profit and government leaders across Milwaukee to adopt Criterion’s 5 strategies for social change to promote change and eventually eradicate mass incarceration systems.* Wrote innovative grants and proposals to move forward specific and tangible ideas that have been successful in addressing racial, gender and class bias in financial investing.* Collaborated with UNICEF on a successful 6-month research project to create a long-term vision and strategy based on the connection between the cost of gender-based violence in emergencies and systems of finance. * Led online and in-person presentations with area churches to transform their relationship with finance, and promote small business investments and community partnerships in under-served communities.* Contributed to A Blueprint for Faith-based Organizations in Milwaukee on Using Finance as a Tool for Social Change, providing an informed, balanced vision to effect social change and greater justice and sufficiency.

Madison, Wisconsin, United States

*Part of a 15-member leadership team that sought to advance innovation and open-mindedness in cross-cultural communication, racial acceptance, community outreach and social justice advocacy.* Developed/matured a forward-thinking environment that challenged complacency and worked collaboratively to increase acceptance and diversity toward race, class and religion.* Grew membership and participation by 50% during tenure.* Influenced a new style of leadership through Council meetings and interactions with financial, organizational, operations and staff/volunteer and facilities management committees.* Led training programs to teach core leadership principles to 60-70 elected leaders, share their expertise, support new initiatives and make a difference. * Recruited 100+ people into community outreach, social justice advocacy and other programs, and energized people to make an impact in the community.* Created and delivered large and small group presentations that juxtaposed theology and faith with justice and anti-bias. Eliminated misunderstandings and barriers, and found innovative ways to connect people. * Forged racial bridge-building partnership and collectively developed communications on racial inequities and create outreach programs that were multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-gender.* Expanded engagement to include leadership from other church communities, including co-mingled preaching and group meetings, which debunked cultural assumptions and became a model emulated by others.* “Opened the door” to host secular groups, including community organizations and political candidates, and created an environment of open communication and information exchange.* Partnered with a community organization dedicated to personal dignity, self-empowerment and community building for people with chronic mental, emotional, physical and/or developmental disabilities.

Detroit Metropolitan Area

Served as 1 of 65 synodical CEOs providing leadership, financial and operational support during the start-up, growth/expansion and turnaround to the area congregations, missions and ministries of the ELCA’s 4M+ members.* Redefined the synod mission statement to advance the development of healing bridges among diverse multi-ethnic, multi-cultural congregations, a mission that continues today. * Provided executive coaching and guidance to urban leaders, and created communication and outreach programs to enhance diversity and inclusion among 120+ congregations in a racially torn metropolitan area.

Greater Chicago Area

Wrote imaginative articles for North America’s largest denominational periodical and served as a keynote speaker on successful organizational models, and creative ways to advance diversity, inclusion and justice.

African Centered Religious Thought And Ministry

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Philosophy And Political Science

Masters Of Divinity, Pastoral Studies/Counseling