LSF LEADERSHIP
At LSF, leadership isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment. The leaders you’ll meet here bring bold vision, deep experience, and unwavering dedication to standing with Florida’s most vulnerable. They steer our mission with clarity, integrity, and heart—so every individual and family we serve has a shot at a healthier, hope-filled future.
Mike Carroll
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Mike Carroll serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Services Florida, bringing more than three decades of leadership and dedication to strengthening families and communities. Since joining LSF in 2018, Mike has exemplified integrity, compassion and operational excellence. His 28-year career with the Florida Department of Children and Familie, including service as the agency’s longest-tenured Secretary, was defined by innovation in child welfare, expanded access to substance use treatment and pioneering anti-human trafficking initiatives. A data-driven leader who believes people are LSF’s greatest resource, Mike continues to guide the organization’s mission of offering healing, hope and help to those who need it most.
Robert W. Haley, Esq.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL COUNSEL
Prior to joining LSF in 2016, Rob served as a Senior Associate with a Tampa based civil litigation firm. In this role he primarily practiced in the areas of plaintiff’s side insurance disputes (general liability and property), wrongful death, catastrophic injury, and mass tort proceedings. Additionally, his experience includes the direct legal representation of clients similarly served in multiple programs operated by LSF, including Immigrant Detainees, Refugees, Asylees, and Guardianship populations. Rob is an admitted member in good standing of The Florida Bar
Lisa Mayrose
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF FAMILY FOCUS
While Lisa is driven by measurable outcomes and is known as a change agent, she recognizes people are the most important resource and dedicates time to growing and nurturing leaders to further strengthen social services in Florida. Lisa most recently served as the Vice President of Operations for LSF Family Focus. As the Executive Vice President of Family focus, Lisa now oversees child welfare, children and families in need of services (CINS/FINS) programs, refugee services, adult advocacy, and multiple other direct service programs. Since joining LSF four years ago, Lisa’s scope of responsibility has grown significantly. Before joining us at LSF she was the former Regional Managing Director for the Department of Children and Families in the SunCoast Region. Lisa is a 30-year social services veteran and was a longtime DCF employee with a wide array of program and operations experience.
Bob Bialas
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF CHILDREN & HEAD START SERVICES
Bob joined LSF in 2019 after retiring as a Captain from the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). Bob served in many different capacities throughout his 26+ years with the USPHS. As the Executive Vice President of Children and Head Start Services, Bob is responsible for overseeing Head Start services for approximately 5,800 children and families, totaling $53 million with over 750 employees throughout Florida.
Kevin Stamper
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT
Kevin Stamper serves as Vice President of Development at Lutheran Services Florida, where he leads efforts across the state to connect donors and partners with the mission of serving one in 50 Floridians each year. With a background in communication, nonprofit leadership, and ministry, Kevin brings a unique blend of storytelling and strategy to inspire generosity and build lasting relationships. His passion is helping communities rally around the most vulnerable, ensuring resources reach those who need them most. Beyond his work at LSF, Kevin is a pastor, professor, and author, but his favorite role is husband to Marie and dad to Jane and Oliver.
Samuel M. Sipes
CEO EMERITUS
Sam joined LSF as CEO in September 2007. At that time, LSF had several hundred employees and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. During his tenure, Sam led the agency’s tremendous growth to more than 2,500 employees and a budget of more than $400 million.
Sam has a background in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, as well as experience in child welfare, social services, mental health, and programs for senior citizens.
Prior to joining LSF, Sam served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Lutheran Social Services of the South (LSSS) in Austin, Texas. Under his leadership LSSS became the largest provider of children’s residential services in Texas. Sam also was instrumental in expanding residential and non-residential services to senior citizens along with disaster response efforts across Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In 2005, Sam was among the key leaders that helped organize and manage the regional and national response to Hurricane Katrina.
Sam has served on numerous boards including the Council on Accreditation of Child and Family Services, the Florida Coalition for Children, and Lutheran Services in America. He was a member of the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council to identify ways to deliver services more effectively. Sam received both a Master of Science in Social Work and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin.
Bob Wydra
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Known as a nonprofit executive with an extensive financial and accounting background, Bob joined LSF in 2016. He comes to LSF after spending 15 years as Controller and CFO at the Children’s Home Society of Florida. With over 25 years in the not for profit sector, Bob is well versed in nonprofit accounting, fiscal policy compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Terri Durdaller
CHIEF OF STAFF
In her role, Terri is responsible for ensuring the organization’s internal operations, priorities, and teams are aligned to achieve its mission and strategic goals. She oversees Central Service departments including Communications, Resource Development, Project Management and Quality Assurance. Terri joined LSF in 2016 as the VP of Communications and led the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications and content strategy. She has served as the organization’s primary media spokesperson at national, state, and local levels, and has coordinated crisis communications efforts on high-profile issues. Prior to LSF, Terri held senior communications roles at Eckerd Connects, the Florida Department of Children and Families, and the Missouri Department of Public Safety. She has served as a strategic advisor to governors, state directors, and executive leadership teams. Terri holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri. Her work has earned multiple PRSA awards, including the Michael B. Manning Leadership Award and recognition for excellence in media relations and internal communications.
Dr. Christine Cauffield
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT - SAMH
Dr. Christine Cauffield has served as President and CEO of organizations providing integrated health services for children through seniors, including a corporation that provides in-patient, acute psychiatric care to seniors in crisis. She received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology and completed her Internship and Post-Doctoral Residency at Harvard Medical School, where she specialized in geriatric neuropsychology. She serves as President of Florida Council on Aging, President of Florida Association of Managing Entities, and serves on the Executive Board of Smart Justice of Florida.
Karen Joseph
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Karen is the Executive Vice President of Human Resources at LSF, where she leads organization-wide HR strategy and talent development. A North Central Florida native, she began her career in retail leadership before transitioning into human resources at Kmart and later Eckerd Drug Company, where she built and led a team of 22 recruiters. After serving as Director of State Personnel for New Hampshire, overseeing HR for the entire state government, Karen returned to Florida in 2014 to join LSF. She played a key role in launching new Head Start programs by hiring over 300 employees in just a few months and was later promoted to lead HR across the organization. Throughout her career, Karen has been known for creating structure, developing strong teams and driving long-term impact.
Lorenzo Cobiella, Esquire
BOARD CHAIR
Lorenzo Cobiella of Miami Lakes, Florida, is a Partner with the law firm of Gastesi, Lopez and Mestre, PLLC, where he serves as a City Attorney for the town of Miami Lakes and General Counsel to 2 Charter School entities assisting with the firm’s Trust and Estates department. Additionally, he serves as a Special Magistrate for the town of Medley. Each year, Lorenzo donates many hours of pro-bono representation to families coping with autism spectrum disorders and Alzheimer’s disease. From 1998 - 2000, Lorenzo served on LSF’s Miami Advisory Board, where he assisted with local LSF projects. Lorenzo has also assisted with Thrivent Financial Habitat for Humanity Projects.
Dan Young
TREASURER
Dan Young is the CEO of Young Consulting Group providing Accounting, CFO Services and Consulting to owners of privately held companies. His past roles have included CEO, Partner, President, CFO, VP & General Manager, as well as Business Consultant for many start-ups and mature businesses. He is active in community service, where he serves on the board of several organizations, including Lutheran Services Florida, Tower Club Fort Lauderdale, HANDY, The First Tee of Broward, Children’s Golf Foundation, the Legends at Weston Hills Condominium Association, Weston Hills Country Club, and the Board of Governors for the NSU Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. He holds a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami, a Masters in Accounting as well as an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. Dan has been a resident of the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area since 1998 where he presently lives with his wife Nayibe. He is committed to lifelong learning and is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle through exercise and golf.
Frederick Kraegel
MEMBER
Fred Kraegel is an executive with more than 40 years of strategic, financial and operational experience. A certified public accountant, he has provided financial and advisory services to a variety of industries. Since 1980, Fred has been in boardrooms across the country, first as a partner with KPMG (Peat Marwick at the time) and later leading or advising large corporations. His experiences as an executive of publicly traded and privately held companies, and non -profit organizations further developed his leadership proficiency, expertise in strategic planning, and business and financial management acumen. Among his current board appointments, Fred serves on the Board of Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. (Tampa, FL). In January 2021, he completed over 12 years of service on Thrivent Financial’s (Minneapolis, MN) Board of Directors, serving as Chair of the Finance Committee and member of the Executive Committee. Fred has served as a financial advisor for a wide range of organizations navigating complex financial and operational challenges, often involving significant organizational and leadership challenges. He is currently a managing director with Parham Partners LLC (Richmond VA), a financial advisory firm he founded in February 2011. He served as president, chief financial officer or other senior management positions for organizations ranging in size from $150 million to $8 billion in annual revenue.
Christine Franklin
MEMBER
Christine Franklin has over 25 years of experience as a civil and environmental engineer managing a variety of environmental and construction projects. She is the President of Cherokee Enterprises, Inc. CEI’s Mission is Fueling Solutions for a Sustainable World. As president, Christine has the primary responsibility of framing and implementing the firm’s strategic plan. She directs the firm to accomplish its Mission of Delivering the Best Value to its Clients. From assisting clients in the formulation of their projects, to managing procurement programs, to serving as Engineer-of-Record, Christine is in charge of ensuring that the firm fulfills its obligations to its stakeholders – clients, employees and to the community. She is a Florida Registered Professional Engineer (PE) and a Building Contractor, and she has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Florida. She is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Florida Engineering Society.
Rich Heffley
MEMBER
Rich Heffley is a veteran political consultant with 40 years of experience across Florida and Illinois governments. He excels in legislative and executive branches, federal/state/local campaigns, and in-depth Florida politics, demographics, and trends. His clients gain from his strategic expertise in government relations and campaigns. Through Heffley & Associates, a top GOP firm in Tallahassee, Rich delivers political consulting, lobbying, and campaign services. He has represented over 80 leading companies since 2000, securing legislative and budget wins. His trusted relationships with policymakers drive effective advocacy and public relations. Committed to service, Rich is a board member of Lutheran Services Florida, former 25-year member of Florida Children’s Home Society Foundation, Secretary of FSU Seminole Boosters, and past president of Maclay High School Baseball Boosters. He taught a masters class in lobbying at FSU. Rich and wife Nancy (41 years) reside in Tallahassee as does son Drew (31, wife Brooke, grandkids Hayes Elizabeth and Hudson James) and daughter Katie (29) nearby.
President Rev. James H. Rockey
EX-OFFICIO
Rev. James H. Rockey has served on the LSF Board since 2011. He entered the ministry in 1998 after working for the Texas Department of Human Services and for Allstate Insurance as a Claims Manager. He has served his Lord and community in various capacities including the Sumter Ministerial Association President, United Way Allocations Board Member, Sumter County Economic Development Task Force Advisor, Harlem Heights Foundation Board Member, Florida-Georgia District Pastors’ Conference Program Committee Member, and Hurricane Unmet Needs Committee Member for the Florida-Georgia District and Lutheran Services Florida. President Rockey grew up in Gainesville. He has served congregations in Nashville, Fort Myers and Oxford/The Villages where he was first called as a new church planter. Serving the Church at large, he was Circuit Counselor for nine years, District Vice President and in 2022 was elected Florida-Georgia District President of the LCMS. President Rockey holds a B.A. in Communications from Concordia College and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary. President Rockey’s is compelled to share the love of Christ in word and deed and celebrates his partnership with LSF.
Mark Heckler
VICE CHAIR
Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., served as the 18th president of Valparaiso University (IN) from 2008-2020. President Emeritus Heckler is a dedicated educator with 40 years of experience in private and public higher education as a professor, dean, provost, president, and trustee. His more than two decades of experience in organizational strategy and planning spans a wide variety of settings in the United States and several countries, working with boards and presidents from Research I universities to small private colleges, as well as nationally recognized non-profit and cultural organizations. He currently serves as Senior Consultant with the Association of Governing Boards for universities and colleges. Prior to joining Valparaiso University, Mark served at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to moving to Denver, he was professor of fine arts and director of theatre at Siena College (NY). He and his wife, Veronica, are members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, FL and are active at its mission site, the Emmanuel Park Church.
Alonzo L. Batson, Jr.
VICE CHAIR
Alonzo Batson has been married for 50 years to his lovely spouse, Judy. They are the proud parents of two children, Aleizha and Alonzo III (Trey) and proud grandparents of two grandchildren, Jordan and Annaliese. Alonzo received his B.S. in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University and his M.A. in Parasitology/Higher Education from Hampton University. He is a lifelong Lutheran and is currently a member of St. Marks in Jacksonville, FL where he presently serves on the Church Council and is also a member of St. Marks’ Call Committee. Alonzo was a member of the Virginia Synod Candidacy Committee and previously served on the Church Council of Our Saviors Lutheran in Warrenton, Virginia. Prior to joining Valparaiso University, Mark served at the University of Colorado Denver. Prior to moving to Denver, he was professor of fine arts and director of theatre at Siena College (NY). He and his wife, Veronica, are members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Naples, FL and are active at its mission site, the Emmanuel Park Church.
Susan D. Scroggins
MEMBER
Susan D. Scroggins, MBA, a financial professional with over 30 years of experience, most recently served as Senior Vice President for Finance and Treasurer of Valparaiso University (“Valpo”) where she was a member of the University’s Executive Management Council which was responsible for campus operations and advised the University’s President regarding strategic initiatives. As Valpo’s Chief Financial Officer, Scroggins provided strategic oversight of human resources, campus police, facilities, cash management, investments, financial reporting, and bond financing activities while serving as a liaison to several committees of Valpo’s Board of Directors. She also served as an adjunct associate professor and guest lecturer for the University’s Graduate School, including the MBA and International Studies programs. She currently serves as a higher education lecturer and advisor and is a guest teacher in the St. Johns County (FL) public school system. Susan is the former Chair of the Lutheran Services of Florida Board of Directors, and now serves as the Vice-Chair of The Lutheran Collaborative, and is a member of the Thrivent Financial Southeast Member Network Board of Directors. She is also a member of the Calumet College of St. Joseph Board of Directors. Scroggins previously served as Chair of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) Board of Directors and President of the Central Association of College and University Business Officers (CACUBO). Susan is a Certified Public Accountant (retired) and earned her Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Valparaiso University. She is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the national business honor society.
Chris Danford
MEMBER
Chris Danford is a Regional Practice Director (RPD) in the Southeast Region with Thrivent Financial in Heathrow Florida. As an RPD Chris’ focus is working with veteran financial professionals with an emphasis on team development and growing their practices. Chris has been with the company for 24 years. Chris started his career with Thrivent in Collinsville, Illinois where he was a financial professional (FP) for 6 1/2 years, spent 3 years as an Financial Consultant (FC) in Sarasota Florida and has held various leadership roles in the Southeast Regional for the past 15 years.
Bishop Pedro M. Suárez
EX-OFFICIO
The Rev. Pedro Suárez was elected Bishop in 2017. Bishop Suarez is the Pastor to the Synod Community and exercises the church’s power to ordain and consecrate the Rostered ministers of this church. Bishop Suarez is also responsible for strengthening the unity of the Church, exercising leadership in the mission of the church, and overseeing and administering the general work of the synod and staff. The mission of the Office of the Bishop is to shepherd and resource rostered ministers and congregations as they proclaim Christ to the world. Bishop Suárez most recently served as lead pastor of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Pompano Beach, FL and as interim Director for Evangelical Mission for the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Previously, Suárez served in Texas, Illinois and in Wisconsin. Born in Venezuela, Suárez earned the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from the Seminario Evangelico Associado in Venezuela in 1980. He earned an MDiv from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago (LSTC) in 1992. Bishop Suárez is married to ELCA Deacon Aura Suárez. They have 2 adult children.
