Meet the New Executive Directors of Koinonia


Photo by Paul Meberg

Carol Hinderlie, Paul Hinderlie and Tom Ahlstrom are the new Executive Directors of Koinonia. The Koinonia Board of Directors regards them as uniquely prepared and called into God's work in the world. This leadership team most recently completed a 5-year call as Executive Directors of Holden Village, a remote Lutheran retreat village in Washington State. Carol, Paul and Tom were instrumental in revitalizing the core values of community-making, advocacy, and gospel proclamation while establishing strong fiscal health and energizing hospitality. "We are about centering in Jesus, around the cross and in the joy of worship," says Paul. The Koinonia Board has conducted a year-long national search for candidates. Ellie Sudbrock, chair of the search team says, "I've never seen three leaders work together more beautifully. It's like watching a dance. I felt their spiritual energy and magnetism and knew they were just right for Koinonia."

Carol, Paul and Tom have a long history of working together. For 25 years, they owned and operated the Harbor View Café, a highly acclaimed restaurant they established along the Mississippi River in Wisconsin. "Everything we do is hospitality that comes from recognizing each other as God's family," says Carol. They managed a staff of 80 employees and ran every aspect of the business

Carol trained as an occupational therapist with a BS from University of Southern California and earned an MA at the University of Washington. She plays guitar and writes fiction. Carol and Paul have been married over 35 years and have two adult daughters, Julia and Katherine. Paul is a chef and an adult study leader. He and Tom met in High School. Both graduated from the University of Minnesota and attended Luther Theological Seminary. Tom is a concert pianist and is currently the mayor of Stockholm, WI.

Tom challenges all of us with a question, "How are we to be disciples in the 21st century?" Carol, Paul and Tom will be introduced at the Koinonia Annual Meeting at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in New Rochelle on February 26 where they will lead worship and a workshop as well as welcome your questions. The new team begins at Koinonia in March.