Ruling Elder, Elona Street-Stewart, is the first Native American to serve as a synod executive in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A long-time staff member of the synod, Elona had served as the synod’s associate for racial ethnic ministries and community empowerment since 1994. Prior to serving in that capacity, she had been deployed staff for administration of Dakota Presbytery. Racial justice and public service are her specialty. She served as Co-Moderator of the 224th General Assembly.

Teaching Elder, Deb DeMeester, director of leadership development, began serving in the synod in February 2016. She provides the important staff support for Synod School, the popular week-long, midsummer ministry, and she also staffs the synod’s numerous activities in leadership development. She has previously served as associate executive for leadership development for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and directed a graduate leadership program at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.

Ruling Elder, Jim Koon, director of financial services and the synod’s treasurer. He is a member of Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Minn., and serves on numerous boards. Prior to devoting his time to church and non-profit work, Jim served in various leadership roles within the banking industry, including head of product management at Bank of America, and chief operating officer at TCF Bank.

Teaching Elder, Pam Prouty, is the synod’s stated clerk, and she can answer questions related to parliamentary procedure, recording keeping, judicial process, and why Presbyterians do things the way they do. Pam has brought 15 years of past and current experience as a stated clerk to the synod. She is a member of the National Association of Stated Clerks and has served as a General Assembly committee parliamentarian for the 2012 and 2014 assemblies.

Amy Hartman is the synod’s payroll and accounting manager. Amy founded and directed the non-profit ministry Cherish All Children where one of her many roles was staff accountant. Amy has a B.A. in Mathematics from Saint Olaf College, an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Luther Seminary, and has studied accounting at St. Catherine University. She is a member of the Twin Cities Nonprofit Finance Group and the North Central Chapter of The Church Network.

Ruling Elder, Gretchen Milloy, is the synod’s office coordinator and communications support. Gretchen brings more than 25 years of non-profit experience to her work. Prior to joining the synod, she worked for the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area and United Theological Seminary.