Staff Leadership
At LFCS, we believe in building better tomorrows for Missouri's children and families. Meet the dedicated and passionate leadership behind our mission.
Rayna Ewell, SPHR, SCP
Interim President/CEO and Chief Administrative Officer
Rayna Ewell is the interim President/CEO and Chief Administrative Officer. Since joining the organization in 1997, Rayna has held a variety of leadership roles, demonstrating her commitment to LFCS and its mission. In her executive leadership capacity, Rayna oversees strategy, services and offices throughout Missouri, as well as statewide administrative functions. She also serves as a strategic partner to LFCS’ Board of Directors.
Rayna holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the University of Missouri. She also possesses senior-level certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Her extensive education and certifications underscore her expertise and dedication to human resources.
Passionate about helping others reach their fullest potential, Rayna is deeply committed to the well-being of her family and friends. Her leadership and compassion make her an invaluable asset to LFCS and the communities the social service agency serves.
Jeff Cook, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Jeff Cook has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri (LFCS) since 2020. His leadership helps drive organizational growth and financial excellence.
During his tenure at LFCS, Jeff has led impactful initiatives that enhance the agency’s mission delivery and sustainability. Notably, he led the establishing a new office in Kansas City in 2024, significantly expanding LFCS’s reach and community impact. Jeff's strategic financial acumen enabled the social service agency to secure a remarkable $4.2 million annual contract – an impressive 382% expansion over the previous contract.
Jeff's commitment to innovation and accountability is evident through implementing new budgeting and online accounting systems, which have improved LFCS’s accuracy and financial planning. However, it is his pivotal role in navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic that truly showcases his leadership. Jeff’s efforts ensured LFCS's financial resilience and uninterrupted service delivery, providing security in uncertain times.
Beyond his financial expertise, Jeff's leadership extends to facilities and IT modernization across LFCS's statewide offices. Jeff holds a bachelor of science in accounting from Southwest Baptist University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Michelle Meier, M. Ed, LPCr
Chief Program Officer
Michelle Meier, the Chief Program Officer at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), is a seasoned professional with a deep commitment to the social service sector. Her passion, expertise, and regional understanding, honed over more than two decades, are dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families across Missouri.
Michelle’s leadership journey at LFCS began as Senior Director of Family Services where she quickly progressed to Senior Director of Programs and then to Chief Performance Officer, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership and drove agency growth and innovation. Throughout her career, Michelle has harnessed her expertise in program development, agency and program strategy, quality improvement, and staff leadership development to lead impactful initiatives that have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless children and families throughout Missouri.
Michelle's work is characterized by a unique blend of clinical experience and strategic thinking. As a licensed professional counselor, she brings a keen eye for strategic program development, ensuring that her initiatives are not only impactful but also sustainable and effective.
Michelle holds a Master’s of Education in Counseling from the University of Missouri - St. Louis, and a Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Missouri - Columbia. Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is known for her genuine compassion and commitment to the underserved. Under Michelle’s leadership, LFCS continues its legacy of positive impact in Missouri. She is a leader who embodies the organization's compassion, innovation, and service values.
Chris Gearin, Ed.D.
Chief Development Officer
Dr. Chris Gearin, the new Chief Development Officer at Lutheran Family & Children’s Services (LFCS), brings over 30 years of leadership expertise to the position. His most recent role was Director of Operations and Deputy Executive Director for the Sever Institute at Washington University. Previously, Chris served as the Director of a Doctoral Program at Maryville University and worked as a leadership consultant in the St. Louis area. He also spent over 20 years as President of Hickey College and held a director position at Harvard University. Chris has been actively involved with numerous non-profit advisory boards across the St. Louis region. In recognition for his service, Chris received the State of Missouri Meritorious Public Service Award.
Chris holds a Doctorate from Maryville University, a master's degree from Harvard University, and a bachelor's degree from Westfield State University. He has published articles in the International Journal of Leadership and Change, the Journal of Leadership Education, Research in Education, and the Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management.