Lutheran Services Carolinas Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lutheran Services Carolinas has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information systems, operations, financial management, technology, and administration.

Rooted in a mission of compassion and integrity, Lutheran Services Carolinas empowers individuals across the Carolinas by providing essential health and human services to children, families, and seniors.

Leadership Roles at Lutheran Services Carolinas

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ted Goins
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kirby Nickerson
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kesha Smith
  • Chief Information Officer - Mary Glidewell
  • Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer - Jon Postiglione
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Christina Joyce
  • Ted Goins - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ted Goins, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, directs the overarching strategic vision for this faith-based health and human services organization. By aligning organizational goals with the needs of children, families, and seniors, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality care across the Carolinas. Goins oversees the expansion of senior living communities and foster care programs, maintaining a focus on long-term sustainability and mission-driven growth. Through collaboration with the Board and executive leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives initiatives that support new Americans and vulnerable populations. Ted Goins maintains a commitment to operational excellence, ensuring that every service provided reflects the core values of compassion and integrity. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while fostering community partnerships that enhance the reach and impact of the organization throughout the region.

    Kirby Nickerson - Chief Financial Officer

    Kirby Nickerson, the Chief Financial Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial planning for the organization. By overseeing budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources remain available to support foster care, adoption, and senior living programs. Nickerson drives financial transparency and accountability, providing the Board with the insights necessary for strategic decision-making. This leadership role involves managing capital investments and ensuring compliance with non-profit financial regulations. Kirby Nickerson maintains a focus on revenue diversification to sustain the mission of serving children, families, and seniors across the Carolinas. By optimizing cost structures and financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the organization's ability to expand its reach and impact. Nickerson works closely with other executives to align financial goals with operational needs, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the fulfillment of the organization's core mission of compassion and integrity.

    Kesha Smith - Chief Operating Officer

    Kesha Smith, the Chief Operating Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, executes the daily operational strategies required to deliver foster care, adoption, and senior living services. By overseeing regional service delivery, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all programs meet rigorous quality standards and regulatory requirements. Smith drives operational efficiency by optimizing resource allocation across the Carolinas, allowing the organization to serve more families and individuals effectively. This leadership role involves coordinating with department heads to maintain high levels of care and compassion in every community. Kesha Smith monitors performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that operational processes support the long-term mission. By managing the logistics of human services, the Chief Operating Officer facilitates a seamless experience for clients and staff alike. Smith maintains a focus on scaling operations to meet the evolving needs of the population, ensuring that the organization remains a pillar of support for those in need.
    Kesha Smith

    Mary Glidewell - Chief Information Officer

    Mary Glidewell, the Chief Information Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, manages the digital infrastructure supporting health and human services delivery. By architecting secure data systems, the Chief Information Officer protects sensitive information for seniors and families served by the organization. Glidewell drives the integration of electronic health records to improve care coordination across regional facilities. This leadership role involves optimizing software platforms to increase administrative efficiency and support clinical staff in daily operations. Mary Glidewell ensures that technological resources align with the broader mission of providing compassionate care. By modernizing digital workflows, the Chief Information Officer enables better data-driven decision-making for the executive team. Glidewell maintains a focus on cybersecurity and system reliability, ensuring that the organization remains resilient while serving diverse populations across the Carolinas. This role directly impacts the quality of service by streamlining communication and information access for all staff members.

    Jon Postiglione - Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer

    Jon Postiglione, the Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, leads the innovation strategy for the organization's technical landscape. By implementing scalable cloud solutions and advanced communication tools, the Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer enhances the connectivity of senior living communities and support services. Postiglione drives the adoption of emerging technologies that improve the efficiency of foster care and adoption workflows. This leadership role involves evaluating new software and hardware to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of service delivery. Jon Postiglione maintains a focus on digital transformation, ensuring that technology serves as a catalyst for compassion and integrity in all interactions. By bridging the gap between complex technical requirements and user-friendly applications, the Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer empowers staff to focus on client care. Postiglione oversees the technical roadmap, ensuring that all systems support the organization's growth and commitment to serving the Carolinas.

    Christina Joyce - Chief Administrative Officer

    Christina Joyce, the Chief Administrative Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, directs the internal administrative functions that sustain the organization's mission. By overseeing human resources, policy development, and organizational compliance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the values of compassion and integrity. Joyce drives initiatives that improve employee engagement and retention, which are critical for maintaining high-quality care for seniors and families. This leadership role involves managing the administrative infrastructure that supports foster care and adoption services across the Carolinas. Christina Joyce maintains a focus on streamlining internal processes to reduce administrative burdens on frontline staff. By fostering a culture of excellence and accountability, the Chief Administrative Officer supports the overall strategic goals of the executive team. Joyce works to ensure that all administrative policies reflect the organization's commitment to serving the community, providing a stable foundation for the delivery of essential human services.
    Christina Joyce

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lutheran Services Carolinas Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lutheran Services Carolinas?
    Lutheran Services Carolinas is led by Ted Goins (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Kirby Nickerson (Chief Financial Officer) and Kesha Smith (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Lutheran Services Carolinas’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lutheran Services Carolinas includes leaders such as Ted Goins (President & Chief Executive Officer), Kirby Nickerson (Chief Financial Officer), Kesha Smith (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lutheran Services Carolinas have?
    Lutheran Services Carolinas has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lutheran Services Carolinas’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lutheran Services Carolinas includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Technology Chief & Chief Technology Officer.