LSSI President and CEO Mark Stutrud was recognized with the Paragon Award: The Ken Daly Award for Excellence in Mentorship from Lutheran Services in America (LSA).
Presented at LSA’s February 2026 leadership summit, the award recognizes leaders who help shape the next generation of leadership, thereby producing organizations that are stronger, more resilient, and more deeply aligned with their mission. LSA is a national nonprofit that brings together a network of leaders, partners, and funders to tackle issues that are critical to
communities.
Stutrud has led LSSI for more than 11 years through a state budget impasse and a global pandemic, helping the organization emerge from both stronger than ever with a focus on whole-person care.
“It has been my privilege to serve,” said Stutrud. “The draw is the call, serving at the intersection of faith and service, trusting in God’s provision, and leading.”
LSA also recognized several other leaders, including Grace Araya, President and CEO of Concordia Place, Chicago, and Sven Schumacher, Executive Director, Lutheran Child and Family Services of Indiana/Kentucky, Indianapolis.
