Meet the CNH District Board of Directors

Pictured (from left to right):  Mitch Gowen, Lisa Mancini, Marsha Egbert, Bill Swift, Dan Truesdell, Don Busse, Deanna Sako, Bill Abbott, Mike Lange, Rob Weller, Eric Van Scharrel, Christy Wood, Jared Eggebraaten. Not pictured:  Gabriel Molina, John Standley

Pastor Mitch Gowen serves as pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea, Hawaii, and as the First Vice-President of the District. Now in his second term, he brings steady leadership and a heart for ministry across the islands. He also serves in the Civil Air Patrol in Hawaii. Outside of his pastoral work, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Pastor Robert Weller, Second Vice-President and representative of the Pacific Region, has faithfully served Shepherd of the Valley in San Jose, California, for the past 25 years. Deeply rooted in his community, he has coached youth sports and continues to share his love for athletics and historical fiction.

Pastor John Standley, Third Vice-President from the Northern Region, previously served as District Secretary. A Pastor Emeritus, he led Cordova Lutheran Church in Rancho Cordova, California, from 2000 to 2018. Pastor Standley enjoys woodworking, learning German, and participating in trap shooting competitions.

Pastor Eric Van Scharrel serves as pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bakersfield and as the Fourth Vice-President representing the Southern Region. He has also contributed his leadership on the CNH Scholarship Committee, the Missio Dei West Foundation, and as founding president of Angaza Lutheran Schools of Tanzania. An avid sports fan and outdoor enthusiast, Pastor Van Scharrel enjoys hiking, camping, basketball, and baseball—and has visited 27 of the 30 Major League Baseball stadiums.

Pastor Dan Truesdell, Fifth Vice-President from the Hawaii Region, also serves as Circuit Visitor for Circuit 11 and pastor at Saint Mark Lutheran Church and School in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He is passionate about mentoring young people, coaching youth baseball, teaching at the school, and spending time in the ocean.

Pastor William (Bill) Abbott, Sixth Vice-President from the Nevada Region, faithfully served River of Life Lutheran Church in Dayton, Nevada, from 2000 to 2025. He has also served as a Circuit Visitor in the CNH District. His years of ministry reflect a strong commitment to guiding congregations and supporting their mission in the region.

Lisa Mancini, Pacific Regional Director, is an active member of Bridge City Church in Redwood City, California. She has served on numerous committees, including her congregation’s Board of Directors. She spent the final 21 years of her professional career as director of the San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services. Lisa enjoys walking, hiking, golfing and spending time in Tahoe.

Bill Swift serves as Northern Regional Director and is a member of First Lutheran Church in Placerville, California. A longtime leader within the District, he has served in leadership roles at three congregations, as well as LCEF District Vice President, and currently as treasurer for Mercy Holistic Ministry. Bill enjoys playing tennis, golf, cycling, and skiing.

Deanna Sako, Hawaii Regional Director, recently retired after 25 years with the County of Hawaii, where she served as Finance Director. She now applies her financial expertise to ministry at Christ Lutheran Church in Hilo, Hawaii. Deanna enjoys spending time with family, reading, cooking, and sewing.

Marsha Egbert, Nevada Regional Director, brings more than 30 years of professional experience in human resources and organizational leadership. Since retiring, she has discovered a love for quilting, creating and sharing quilts with family, friends, and children in temporary homes.

Gabriel Molina, Southern Regional Director, is a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Lake Isabella, California. He is a seminary professor and chaplain, offering both academic and leadership support to the congregations he serves.

Pastor Jared Eggebraaten serves as District Secretary and pastor at Faith Lutheran Church & Preschool in Fair Oaks, California, where he has served since 2021. After two decades in the Midwest, he is grateful to be back on the West Coast. In his free time, Pastor Eggebraaten enjoys home renovation projects and spending time with his family.

Donald Busse has served as District Treasurer since 2021 after retiring as a CPA. He was previously president of the CNH District Church Extension Fund from 2010 to 2016. A member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livermore, California, Don enjoys traveling, playing solitaire, reading, and working in the yard.

Christy Wood, the Commissioned Minister on the Board of Directors, is principal at St. John’s Lutheran School in Napa, California. She has served on leadership teams at St. John’s, as a WASC Accreditation Commissioner, and as a Mission Training Center Facilitator. Christy enjoys baking, reading, and traveling with her family.