Ridley heads Missouri Synod housing organization

ST. LOUIS, May 18, 2012—Nicole Ridley has been appointed chief executive officer of LCMS National Housing Support Corporation, which does business as Lutheran Housing Support (LHS), by the corporation’s Board of Directors. Her appointment was effective May 1.

In this role, Nicole will lead the organization in carrying out its mission to help Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregations, districts and Recognized Service Organizations in revitalizing local communities.

Ridley previously served as project director at LHS for almost five years. As CEO, she succeeds Deborah Rutt, who was appointed interim chief executive officer in December 2011 following the death of longtime LHS Executive Director Marie Kienker in October 2010.

"Lutheran Housing Support acts as a catalyst of change for neighborhood renewal," said Ridley. "By bringing neighborhoods back to life and addressing the housing needs of persons with modest means, we are helping to meet some of the basic needs of families. Through these opportunities, we are able to share the love of Christ in our actions as well as our words." A graduate of St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, Ind., where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Ridley has been a community development practitioner for the past 22 years.

"Nicole is a talented, experienced person who has spent most of her adult life helping low- and moderate-income families achieve the American Dream of owning their own homes," said William D. Swift, chairman, LHS Board of Directors. "She brings many gifts to this position that will help countless people. I am confident that Nicole will be an asset to LHS and the church at large in her new role."

About LCMS National Lutheran Housing Support Corporation
Lutheran Housing Support (LHS) is a separately incorporated nonprofit that expands the housing ministry of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS). The agency connects LCMS congregations, districts and LCMS Recognized Service Organizations with expertise and financial resources to help revitalize neighborhoods and provide affordable housing. LHS has partnered with congregations and civic and business leaders to revitalize the Spring Creek Nehemiah area in New York City, the Ezra Housing project in Chicago, the College Hill neighborhood in St. Louis and the Lutheran Community Outreach Center in Fort Wayne. To learn more, visit www.lcms.org/lhs.