ELCA NEWS SERVICE November 17, 2003 Lita Brusick Johnson Appointed to New Position 03-204-MR CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lita Brusick Johnson, director for the World Hunger and Disaster Appeal of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was appointed associate executive director for the ELCA Division for Global Mission (DGM) effective Dec. 1. As associate executive director, Johnson, 51, "will be responsible for supervising the work of DGM's international programs and continental desks, and international development and disaster programs. She brings solid expertise in the areas of finance, planning and relationships, particularly with the [65] synods of the ELCA and church networks," said the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for DGM. Johnson succeeds Malpica Padilla, who became executive director of the division on Aug. 1. Since 1998 Johnson has served as director for the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. In that role she guided the church in moving from attaining an annual income goal of $12.2 million to $16 million. In 2002 the appeal garnered $17 million, which included Stand With Africa -- a Lutheran campaign that funds relief and development efforts in Africa, particularly in the areas of prevention and awareness for HIV/AIDS, fighting hunger and building peace. "During these years, Lita has deepened her knowledge of the global context and the theology that support the ELCA's work with companion churches and partners in ministry throughout the world" in connection with the "Lutheran World Federation, Lutheran World Relief and in cooperation with ecumenical partners like the National Council of Church of Christ U.S.A. and Church World Service," said Malpica Padilla. From 1987 to 1998 Johnson served as executive assistant to the ELCA presiding bishop. She served in several positions at the former Lutheran Council in the USA Office for Governmental Affairs (now Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs), Washington, D.C., from 1977 to 1987. Johnson earned a master's degree in medieval studies at the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 1976. She was a Fulbright Fellowship Scholar at the University of Muenster, Federal Republic of Germany, from 1974 to 1975. In 1974 Johnson earned a bachelor's degree in history from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Ind. Johnson and her husband, Whipp, have one daughter, Myrece. They are members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church here. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news