Lutheran Services Carolinas Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lutheran Services Carolinas has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, operational oversight, and administrative governance.

Driven by a commitment to faith-based service, Lutheran Services Carolinas empowers children, families, and seniors across the Carolinas through compassionate care, advocacy, and essential human services.

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
  • 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 mission of serving children, families, and seniors, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent delivery of high-quality care across all regional programs. Goins maintains active engagement with the Board to secure long-term sustainability and growth for the diverse service portfolio. Through the promotion of collaboration and integrity, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of compassion that defines the impact of the organization. Ted Goins also oversees the expansion of senior living communities and support services for new Americans, ensuring that every initiative meets the evolving needs of the Carolinas. Ultimately, Goins drives the operational excellence required to maintain the reputation of the organization as a leader in human services.

    Kirby Nickerson - Chief Financial Officer

    Kirby Nickerson, the Chief Financial Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. By overseeing financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds remain directed toward essential services for children, families, and seniors. Nickerson maintains rigorous oversight of capital investments in senior living communities and other critical infrastructure projects. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of new programs and expansion efforts across the Carolinas. Kirby Nickerson also monitors compliance with regulatory standards to safeguard the integrity of the organization. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term mission of providing compassionate care. Nickerson drives fiscal transparency and efficiency, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the fulfillment of the organizational goals and the well-being of the communities served.

    Kesha Smith - Chief Operating Officer

    Kesha Smith, the Chief Operating Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, directs the daily execution of health and human services programs across the Carolinas. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that foster care, adoption, and senior living services meet the highest standards of quality and compassion. Smith manages the coordination between various service departments to maintain seamless delivery of care for vulnerable populations. The Chief Operating Officer works closely with regional leadership to address operational challenges and improve service accessibility. Kesha Smith also implements performance metrics to track the effectiveness of community support initiatives. Through the refinement of internal processes, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the capacity of the organization to serve more families and individuals in need. Smith drives operational consistency, ensuring that the mission of the organization remains at the forefront of every program and service provided to the public.
    Kesha Smith

    Mary Glidewell - Chief Information Officer

    Mary Glidewell, the Chief Information Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support complex health and human services operations. By modernizing data systems, the Chief Information Officer enables secure and efficient information management across all senior living communities and foster care programs. Glidewell prioritizes the integration of technology to enhance service delivery, ensuring that staff members possess the tools required for effective client support. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align technical roadmaps with the broader mission of the organization. Mary Glidewell also manages cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive data for families and seniors throughout the Carolinas. Through the implementation of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer optimizes internal workflows and improves reporting accuracy. Glidewell maintains a focus on digital transformation to ensure that the organization remains agile in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

    Christina Joyce - Chief Administrative Officer

    Christina Joyce, the Chief Administrative Officer at Lutheran Services Carolinas, governs the internal administrative functions and organizational policies that support the mission. By streamlining human resources, compliance, and facility management, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the organization operates with maximum efficiency. Joyce oversees the development of internal protocols that uphold the values of integrity and compassion in every interaction. The Chief Administrative Officer collaborates with other executives to align administrative support with the strategic goals of the organization. Christina Joyce also manages the infrastructure required to sustain senior living communities and family support services throughout the Carolinas. Through the implementation of standardized administrative practices, the Chief Administrative Officer fosters a productive environment for staff and volunteers. Joyce drives organizational stability by ensuring that all administrative systems remain robust, compliant, and responsive to the needs of the diverse programs offered by the organization.
    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 5 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, Chief Administrative Officer.