Simek to serve as Synod’s new chief administrative officer

Frank Simek

Frank Simek of Keller, Texas, has been appointed by the LCMS Board of Directors as the Synod’s new chief administrative officer. He plans to begin work Oct. 2 at the church body’s International Center in St. Louis.

Most recently, Simek, 61, was senior manager of procurement for the Pabst Brewing Company in Dallas. Prior to that he was director of procurement for FTS International LLC, Fort Worth, Texas.

His previous experience includes 28 years (1982-2010) with Anheuser-Busch Inbev Inc., working with international business development (he lived in London for six years), financial and materials planning, and, most recently, serving as director of Fuels and Energy Procurement.

Simek succeeds Ron Schultz, who served the LCMS for 20 years — the last 12 as CAO. Val Rhoden-Kimbrough, executive director of the Synod’s Human Resources department, has served as acting CAO since Schultz’s departure in mid-April.

“After a thorough search and examination of candidates, the LCMS Board of Directors is very pleased to welcome Frank Simek as the new chief administrative officer,” said BOD Chairman Rev. Dr. Michael L. Kumm. “Frank brings extensive corporate executive-level management and financial experience that will be a great help in dealing with challenges we will face in the future.

“I look forward to Frank beginning his work with us, and tenure far into the future.”

LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison called Simek “an outstanding individual.”

“His high-level, large-organization business experience is just what we need now to become more efficient, more transparent, better partners and better stewards of our national and international resources — all for the sake of the mission of Christ,” Harrison told Reporter. “I’m thrilled.”

The BOD unanimously adopted a resolution of thanks to Rhoden-Kimbrough, who filled the vacancy “with extreme efficiency, even while maintaining her duties as director of Human Resources,” added Kumm. “We are very grateful for Val and how well she has served. She is a valuable asset to the LCMS.”

Simek holds an accounting degree and an MBA in Finance from Washington University, St. Louis. He also has served his congregation, Messiah Lutheran Church, Keller, as treasurer of Messiah Lutheran Church and School and as a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church Council.

Duties of the CAO include assisting the Synod’s BOD in carrying out its responsibilities and working closely with the church body’s chief financial officer and chief mission officer in carrying out the programmatic, administrative and financial functions of the national LCMS.

Simek said he is “definitely excited” about his new position. “All of my past church work has been on a part-time and volunteer basis,” he told Reporter. “This is an opportunity to dedicate myself to serve the church on a full-time basis.”

He noted the “unique set of skills and life experiences” he has been blessed with — including “working in the areas of corporate financial planning, international and procurement.

“Along the way, I have worked in a Fortune 100 corporation, a start-up company and a privately-held company. Each one had a unique culture and required a different approach to handling individuals and building relationships,” he explained, and he also has gained cultural insights from extensive international travel.

Simek added that he looks forward to “putting these skills and experiences to use in serving the church” and supporting “the proclamation of the Gospel and continued preaching of the faith around the world and to future generations.

“This is particularly relevant in today’s social and political environment that continually challenges our confession,” he said.

Posted August 29, 2017