Héctor Colón joins Lutheran Social Services in top leadership role

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. announced Héctor Colón as President and CEO, replacing David Larson who is retiring from the positions.

Colón comes to LSS after six years as Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services. There, Colón was responsible for developing award-winning programs that engaged employees, impacted thousands of lives throughout the community and made a positive impact on the county’s bottom line.

“We are honored to welcome Héctor Colón to the LSS family,” said LSS Board Chair John Howman. “Héctor’s experience in social services and health care and his track record of strategic decision making and values-driven leadership are exactly what we are looking for in our next leader. He has consistently demonstrated his commitment to provide the best care to improve the quality of lives for the most vulnerable individuals.”

Colón led several county-wide initiatives, including efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, end chronic homelessness, transform mental health care, and end a 30-year wait list for disabilities services. Many of the practices contributing to the success of the initiatives led by Colón have become best practices for social service agencies nationwide.

“I am humbled to join Lutheran Social Services,” said Colón. “As a faith-based, mission-driven organization, LSS’s work to improve people’s lives is impressive and absolutely inspires me. I look forward to working with our leadership and staff to make LSS a provider and employer of choice.”

As President and CEO, Colón will work with LSS board, staff and partners to propel the organization forward by focusing on employee engagement, innovation and strategic partnerships. Colón will join LSS in July 2017.

LSS’s current President and CEO David Larson recently announced he will retire in February 2018. Larson, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor, has been with LSS for 27 years as a board member and staff member. For the past 15 years, he has served as President and CEO.

Lutheran Social Services is the oldest and largest multi-service provider of social services in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The organization helps people all along the lifespan with essential and life-changing services including adoption, foster care, affordable housing, mental health and addiction treatment, services for those who are homeless, and a comprehensive range of treatment for traumatized youth.