Michael Klatt Announces Decision to Relocate and Pursue Other Opportunities; The Lutheran Home Association Names Christopher Meyer Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hayes Ministry President
BELLE PLAINE, MINN. (December 13, 2019)— The Lutheran Home Association (TLHA), a non-profit healthcare and disability ministry, announced that its Board of Directors appointed Christopher Meyer as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Hayes as President of Ministry, TLHA Foundation, and Jesus Cares Ministries, effective January 1, 2020. Mr. Meyer currently serves TLHA as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial/Business Officer, and Mr. Hayes holds the position of Vice President of Mission Advancement. Both men will succeed Mr. Michael Klatt. Mr. Klatt informed TLHA’s board of directors this fall of his decision to relocate and pursue other opportunities after 31 years of service. Mr. Klatt will continue to serve TLHA as the President Emeritus to assist the executive leadership team, transition donor relationships, and provide guidance for strategic growth.
Michael Klatt has faithfully served TLHA since 1988. Under his leadership, TLHA completed over $25 million in construction projects on the Belle Plaine campus in Minnesota. These projects included the Special Care Residence, Boessling Lutheran Village Apartments, Faith Apartments, Kingsway Retirement Living, KingsPath Senior Living, a complete renovation of the skilled nursing facility, and a $4 million assisted living project at Heritage Homes in Watertown, Wis. TLHA acquired St. Michael Assisted Living in Fountain City, Wis. and expanded management services to Kingsway of Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, Fla., Highland Regency House in New Ulm, Minn. and Spero Senior Living in Lakeville, Minn. Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM) was acquired and under God’s grace at TLHA expanded to serve more than 5,000 participants. JCM also expanded sharing the Gospel in Malawi, Africa. TLHA built successful partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Ridgeview Medical Center. Mr. Klatt was a strong leader with an equally strong commitment to TLHA’s mission and those it served.
Klatt shared, “I will remain active in the ministry assisting in the development of senior housing and disability services as well as serving individuals specializing in unique trust structures. I look forward to continuing my active engagement in these areas and supporting TLHA in this transition.”
Klatt isn’t alone in his vision. Lowell Hoffman, Chairman of TLHA’s Board, shared, “Mr. Klatt is an outstanding individual and leader. He will be missed. We are both grateful for his service and confident that Christopher, Mark, and the team will lead TLHA into the future.”
Christopher Meyer joined TLHA in 2018 and currently serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial/Business Officer. He led the organization’s financial and operations strategy, oversaw financial operations, and aligned and managed the daily business and operations throughout the ministry. Before joining TLHA, Mr. Meyer served in financial leadership roles at the Cornerstone State Bank, the Bremer Bank, and the United Prairie Bank. More recently, he was an independent consultant in executive leadership, finance, and operations. He currently serves as the Mayor for the City of Belle Plaine and President of the Minnesota State University Alumni Association where he leads a fund program that raises $8 million annually.
“It has been a privilege to work with Michael for the last year and TLHA has grown under this leadership,” said Christopher Meyer. “I am honored and excited to lead TLHA. I believe in our vision, mission, and team. The opportunity ahead of TLHA is vast, but I have the distinct pleasure of working with some of the most talented team members and one of the best executive leadership teams in our sector.”
Mark Hayes has served as Vice President of Mission Advancement since 2016. As the chief fund development officer, his work supports the ministry’s mission and vision to share eternal hope, provide hope, and inspire hope. His responsibilities included developing and maintaining relationships, fundraising, and managing the mission’s advancement infrastructure and ministry outreach. Mr. Hayes has a rich background in outreach, strategic planning, ministry development, and leadership. He earned a bachelor of arts from Northwestern College in Watertown, Wis., and a master’s of divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, Wis. Prior to joining TLHA, he served as pastor in Colorado for 14 years and more recently as a supervisor for a production company.
“For the last few years, I have learned a tremendous amount from Michael. He is a dedicated man of God and it is reflected in his confidence in TLHA and us,” said Mark Hayes. “TLHA is one of those rare ministries that has truly shared the Gospel and encourages all team members, no matter their role, to share God’s message of love. I couldn’t be more honored to help lead the ministry.”
In naming Meyer and Hayes to succeed as CEO and Ministry President, Lowell Hoffman, TLHA’s Chairman of the Board, said, “The succession planning by the Board has been a detailed and careful process. We believe Christopher and Mark possess the skills and experience necessary to continue our mission and ministry.”
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About The Lutheran Home Association
The Lutheran Home Association is a not-for-profit ministry dedicated to
providing for the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people in its
care. We offer a wide variety of health-care, housing, and spiritual outreach
services with campuses in several states and congregational programs serving
seniors and individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities
nationwide. Services and programs include senior living, skilled nursing care,
memory care, disability services, rehabilitative therapies, chaplaincy, Bible
classes, worship services, and property management services. TLHA is looking
for caring, compassionate and dedicated team members. Visit tlha.org/careers
to apply. Learn more at tlha.org,
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