Welcome, Jackie Baumhover, Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Events, and Governance

Please join Bishop Amy Current and the Office of the Bishop in welcoming Jackie (Pepin) Baumhover as the Southeastern Iowa Synod's new Associate to the Bishop for Candidacy, Events, and Governance. Jackie will begin her ministry with us on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Bishop Current shares, "I am eager for Jackie to share her gifts, skills, experience, deep faith, and love for the ELCA with the whole Southeastern Iowa Synod."

Jackie joins the Southeastern Iowa Synod after serving in leadership roles with both the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Organization and Wartburg Theological Seminary. Most recently, she has served as Director for Strategy in the Office of the Presiding Bishop for the ELCA. Prior to that, she accompanied candidates for ministry in her role as Admissions Director at Wartburg Theological Seminary and began her professional career as Director of Scheduling and Events at Loras College.

A graduate of the University of Iowa, Jackie holds a degree in communications with a certificate in business entrepreneurship and a minor in Spanish. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about helping leaders, congregations, and organizations discern direction, strengthen relationships, and faithfully steward resources in support of God's mission. Her work has included strategic planning, leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and partnership-building across the church. She is deeply committed to the ministry of the ELCA and is grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside congregations and leaders throughout Southeastern Iowa.

Jackie will provide leadership and support in the areas of archives, candidacy, constitution questions, exploring a call to ministry, the nominating committee, synod assembly, and synod council. As she begins this new role, please be patient as she learns all the things. Jackie can be reached at baumhover@seiasynod.org or 319-569-6514.

Jackie lives in Dubuque, Iowa, with her two children, Claire and Will. Claire will begin high school this fall and enjoys playing volleyball, while Will is entering seventh grade and spends much of his time competing with his travel and club soccer teams. Their family also includes two energetic German Shorthaired Pointers, Finn and Huck, who ensure there is never a dull moment at home.

When she is not working or cheering from the sidelines, Jackie enjoys gardening, discovering great live music, and pursuing creative projects. Most recently, she has taken up jewelry making and enjoys creating unique pieces by hand. She values opportunities to connect with others through creativity, community, and shared experiences.

Jackie is excited to begin this new chapter of ministry with the Southeastern Iowa Synod. She is passionate about the future of the Church, inspired by the ways God continues to call and equip leaders, and eager to see what the Holy Spirit has in store in the years ahead.

We are grateful for the gifts Jackie brings to this ministry and are ready to welcome her to the Southeastern Iowa Synod team.