Lutheran Social Services of New York Welcomes Rev. Dr. David Benke as New CEO

NEW YORK - March 16, 2016 - PRLog -- Lutheran Social Services of New York (LSSNY), a leading social service agency, welcomes Rev. Dr. David Benke as the new President and CEO, effective March 16, 2016.

Dr. Benke served as President of the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a tenure marked by stellar leadership and innovative thinking, from 1991-2015. Since 1975, he has served as Pastor of Brooklyn's St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Dr. Benke comes to LSSNY at an exciting time as the agency reflects on its tremendous growth. The organization, since its 2012 city-initiated expansion into early childhood education, continues to move toward new goals to bolster infrastructure and innovation.

When asked why he so eagerly agreed to join LSSNY at this time, Dr. Benke said, "Leading LSSNY is part of my life-long journey to serve people who need it most by helping them take action to get whatever service they may need - child care, food and shelter, education."  He adds, "LSSNY will continue my ministry of engaging the world in the Gospel of hope."

Ronald S. Drews, the agency's former President and CEO, stepped down after 13 years of service to take a position as CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. "Dr. Benke has been a trusted partner, advisor, and advocate for many of LSSNY's program initiatives. He is a natural fit for this leadership role and will bring his energy and passion to help New Yorkers in need," said Drews.

About LSSNY:

Founded in 1886, Lutheran Social Services of New York is a leading, non-profit social service agency with a long tradition of service to children and families across the New York metropolitan area and Long Island. Each day, we serve over 7,000 people, providing child care, foster care, hunger prevention, immigration legal support, residential housing and special education services. To learn more, visit www.lssny.org.