The Development team is here to help with any questions, comments, or concerns you have about giving to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. To learn more about how to give, visit our Donation Page.
Andrew G. Steele
As Vice President for Development, Andrew G. Steele leads a dynamic team responsible for all development, fundraising and outreach efforts. Prior to joining LIRS, Andrew was the Assistant Vice President for Advancement & Director of Campaigns at his alma mater, Wittenberg University. Before serving in that capacity, Andrew was the Director for Global Mission Funding at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), overseeing $30+ million of revenue as part of a successful five-year, $250 million comprehensive campaign. An avid traveler, Andrew annually returns to South Africa and Lesotho where he once lived and co-founded BLOOM Africa, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Gail Battle
Position: Annual Gifts Manager
Specialty: Fundraising Strategy, Donor Relations and Operations
“I’m high-energy, I love learning, and I enjoy close relationships. My two most frequently questions are ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘How can we work together?’”
Ruth Famini
Position: Senior Grants Manager
Specialty: Government funding proposals
“A transplanted New Yorker, I now call Maryland my home. I love music, cats, and horses…and of course my adorable grandchildren!”
Brandy Freeman
Position: Donor Services Manager
Specialty: Raiser’s Edge
“Isaiah 41:10 NKJV: ‘Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Beth Nelson Chase
Position: Major Gifts Officer
Specialty: Major Donor relations; Planned Giving; Major Donor Event Friend and Fundraising; Public Speaking
Phone: 815-979-4628
“I am a performing artist in piano and choral direction and co-winemaker with my husband, John, at Cedar Creek Vines in Northern IL.”
Whitney Palmer
Position: Program Manager for Outreach
Specialty: Program management and community engagement
“I’m a native Southern Californian living in Charm City, Baltimore! Most of my plans revolve around what I’m eating next; I love trying new foods and exploring the diversity of the world through cuisine. ”
Ivelisse Ramos
Position: Manager for Institutional Giving
Specialty: Corporate, Foundation, and Church Grants
“I have over 10 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education fundraising and constituent engagement. At LIRS, I focus on exposing the important work we do with the refugee and immigrant population to potential institutional donors”
Bradley Stefan
Position: Prospect Research Data Analyst
Specialty: Constituent profiling and wealth analysis
“I currently live in Towson and have worked in the Baltimore area most of my life. I’ve been with LIRS since 2018 and absolutely love having a career devoted to helping the less fortunate!”
Kristin Witte
Position: Director for Outreach
Specialty: Strategy and Diplomacy
“I am a native Marylander who is deeply in love with her husband Andy and our precocious 6-year old daughter Kyra. Stemming from my father reading me Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I love mysteries and solving puzzles. I bake when stressed, adore live theater, and I am a high-maintenance eater. ”