The NLA Governing Council is the governing body authorized by the Elder Board of New Life Church to develop strategic plans and oversight of NLA. Its role is to ensure the long-term viability and stability of NLA and to monitor the efforts of Academy leadership on living up to its mission, values, and vision.
Tyler Schelhaas
Chairperson
Matt Engstrom
Vice Chair; Secretary
Jim Leske
Treasurer
Brett Lilly
Lead Pastor, NLC
Jonathan Anderstrom
Don Cooper
Patrick Doherty
Bruce Gorter
Melissa Porter
Matt Twomey
Curt Wetsel
Jen Willaert
2024-25 Committee Assignments
Executive Committee
2024-25 Executive Committee:
Matt Engstrom
Bruce Gorter
Tyler Schelhaas – GC Chair
Brett Lilly – Lead Pastor (NLC)
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for refining and implementing the financial aspects of New Life Academy’s strategic plan. This includes reviewing the annual operating and capital budgets to ensure alignment with the school’s financial goals and overall mission. Additionally, the committee evaluates significant financial or property transactions not accounted for in the approved budget and submits proposed adjustments, along with recommendations, to the Governing Council. Through careful oversight and strategic planning, the Finance Committee supports the long-term financial health and sustainability of New Life Academy.
2024-25 Finance Committee:
Jim Leske – Committee Chair
Don Cooper – Vice Chair
Brett Lilly – Lead Pastor (NLC)
Betty Bomett
Matthew Brocker
Ty Frazier
Dan Getsch
Alex Haak
John Horner
Spiritual Development Committee
2024-25 Spiritual Development Committee:
Todd George – Committee Chair
Christine DeBoer – Early Education Principal
Kristen Gray
Brett Lilly – Lead Pastor (NLC)
Grant Lilly – Youth Pastor (NLC)
Jed Moseman – Middle & Upper School Principal
Dan Palkki – Lower School Principal
Tyler Schelhaas – GC Chair
Dr. Brian Schrader
Trustee Committee
The Trustee Committee evaluates the personnel needs of the Governing Council. The Trustee committee also profiles the Governing Council, listing ideal characteristics needed for the fulfillment of the Trustee with Trustee bylaw direction. The Trustee committee interviews and nominates cultivated individuals for service to New Life Academy committees and the Governing Council.
2024-25 Trustee Committee:
Jen Willaert – Committee Chair
Kristen Bryant – former GC
Wendy Dodds
Patrick Doherty – GC
Matt Engstrom – GC
Lindsey Hudson
Michelle Schumacher – former GC
Dave Meier – former GC
Development Committee
The Development Committee reviews, recommends, and supervises the scheduling of all fund-raising programs, gift acceptance policies, capital campaigns and endowment and planned giving programs. This committee also identifies, cultivates, and solicits special, major donations.
2024-25 Development Committee:
Melissa Porter – Committee Chair
Josh Brocker – Vice Chair
Steve Nathe – Secretary
John Horner, Jr. – Treasurer
Jonathan Anderstrom
Larry Chinn – Advancement Director
Alex Haak
Leslie Kuckler
Brandon Mellett
Carisa Rasmussen
Tony Ressie
Allison Rieger
Curt Wetsel
New Life Academy Educational Foundation
2024-25 NLA Educational Foundation:
Melissa Porter – Foundation President
Steve Nathe – Secretary
John Horner, Jr. – Treasurer
Leslie Kuckler