office of the bishop


Eastern north dakota synod staff

  • Rev. Tessa Moon Leiseth

    Bishop

    Email Bishop Tessa


    Bishop Tessa was re-elected to serve a second six-year term on June 7, 2026. She is the synod's fifth bishop and first female bishop. 

  • Rev. Brad Skogen

    Associate with the Bishop for Congregational Leadership and Transition


    Pastor Brad's primary areas of focus include the call process (for congregations in transition and rostered ministers), conflict, and congregation constitutions.

  • Marna Arlien

    Office Administrator

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    Marna is your key contact for many aspects of synod ministry, including maintaining our public office hours, scheduling appointments with the bishop, connecting with synod council, and administrative responsibilities for smooth and efficient synod office operations. Marna is the friendly voice who answers the office phone and can assist you in connecting with the right person on the staff team.

  • Alex benson-tuff

    Connections coordinator & First call theological education coordinator

    Email Deacon Alex


    Deacon Alex keeps us connected through online communications (E-Newsletter, Social Media) and event support, including Synod Assembly. She also coordinates the First Call Theological Education program. 

  • Katie Demarais

    Synod Lay Ministry Coordinator

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    Katie works with those applying to become a Synod Lay Minister and supporting current Synod Lay Ministers.

  • lacey kraft
    director of generosity

  • Jen Engquist

    Disaster capacity builder

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    Jen's work focuses on building disaster resiliency and preparedness among ELCA congregations and communities across North Dakota. She works closely with both EaND and WND Synods to recruit and support a statewide resiliency team, identify disaster-related challenges, build public advocacy capacity, and coordinate synod responses to disasters when they occur. This position is shared by both synods and is funded by a 3-year grant from Lutheran Disaster Response.


  • Marietta Wahl

    Finance manager

  • rev. nancy monke

    mentor coach & developer

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    Pastor Nancy works to build up and support the mentor program for our Synod Lay Ministers and Synod Authorized Ministers.

  • Rev. robert franek

    Congregational Relator

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    Pastor Robert connects with leaders in congregations that do not have a regular called or contracted minister, relaying key information regarding synod ministries and connecting them with other needed resources.