Bertrand named Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois president

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois announced today that Chief Operating Officer Mike Bertrand has also been named president.

With this appointment Bertrand assumes responsibility for all internal operations.

Former LCFS president Gene Svebakken remains chief executive officer and will focus on agency governance, donor relationships, congregational partnerships and strategic planning. In related moves, all LCFS services and programs will report to Beverly Jones in her role as chief program officer, and Darrin Holt was named state director for child welfare services.

Bertrand joined LCFS in 2005 and has more than 25 years of experience in social services that includes leadership positions in the public and private sectors. Mike has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana, a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is an Illinois licensed clinical social worker.

Despite the challenges presented by Illinois' tough fiscal climate, Bertrand is confident in LCFS' ability to still make a difference; "As an agency, we've grown by being innovative and delivering quality services. That's what we plan on continuing to do."

As he assumed the LCFS presidency, Bertrand reflected on LCFS' purpose; "Part of what we do is to serve where others don't. We're called to serve, and we see value in all people. Being a social ministry organization, our mission and faith don't allow us to pass by, when there is an individual, child or family in need. We're called to respond to that need."

Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is a non-profit social ministry organization that annually improves the well-being of more than 40,000 people statewide by nurturing and protecting children, empowering families and transforming communities. For more information on LCFS programs and services, visit www.lcfs.org or www.facebook.com/LCFSIL or call 800-363-LFCS.