LAMPa’s Policy Council welcomes Jim Needles as a representative from Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in software engineering, Needles has worked for multinational corporations, several start-ups and non-profit service agencies. He currently serves as chief information officer for Familylinks Inc., an agency with a mission to serve in the behavior healthy and mental health community.

Needles has been active for more than three decades in his congregation of Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran, Lutheran Campus Ministries and several other mission-focused organizations.

Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod Bishop Kurt Kusserow appointed Needles to serve on LAMPa’s Policy Council.

“I am eager to serve with Jim, and look forward to the wisdom and experience he brings to the policy council as we seek to deepen our relationships and lift up the stories of those accompanied by our ministries in western Pennsylvania,” said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale.

“I am thrilled to be a member of this council because it is the opportunity to further serve with my God-given talents, skills and time,” Needles said. “I passionately believe that we have an opportunity and an obligation to serve others. Through LAMPa, I believe that our work has the opportunity to positively impact our communities, our state, and the society as a whole for many years to come.”