Nominees for Positions Open for Election 2026

Vice President Administration

My name is Carolyn Witham. I made Western North Carolina Via de Cristo in the fall of 1990. I am currently in my second year as Vice President of Administration and would be honored and elated if re-elected to serve you in this capacity for another two-year term. After making my weekend in NC, I became active in Via de Cristo, serving locally in various ways. I began participating in Via de Cristo at a national level in 1997 and became a regular in 2007. Nearly 20 national gatherings have given me a wealth of relevant experience. That experience, along with my spiritual gifts of administration and leadership and my passion for Via de Cristo and our gatherings has equipped me well for this role. I pray that all we do strengthens and reenergizes Via de Cristo leaders so they, in turn, can do the same for the Christian leaders in their local congregations. To God be all the glory!

VPA – Witham – 2026 (1)Download

My name is Randy Poisel. I attended the Indiana-Kentucky VdC Men’s weekend #22. I was Pre-Weekend Chair for INKY for over 10 years and am currently the Lay Director. I have also been co-chair to help plan and execute NLSAG events in 2019 and 2023, both held at University of Indianapolis. My committee was in charge of registration and room assignments. We also were in charge of facility coordination. My experience as an senior IT analyst for a large loan corporation has provided me with the ability to work with large groups of people and listen to their questions and concerns, this along with a willingness to solve a problem or concern will help me work with the different Secretariats. Recently I have felt called to be more involved with VdC on many levels, as this ministry has meant so much to me. The friends my wife and I have made through VdC are priceless! I will share ideas with our Secretariats to help them move into new directions and more exciting times!

vpa nomination form for Randy Poisel (1)Download

Treasurer

My name is Jerry Gray. I was a pilgrim on Weekend #79, November 2009, in Lutheran Via de Cristo of North Texas. I have served on many weekends. I have also served on our Secretariat as Weekend Rep, Treasurer, and Lay Director. I am a retired CPA, having worked in several leadership positions in the Department of Defense. I don’t know if I am the best person for this position; what I know is I have done this job here for the past two years and have done this type of work for several entities, including VdC; I also know I would commit to doing my best at all times; I am well suited to serve because of my broad experience doing this type of work and my broad experience within VdC.

NLS Treasurer Application J Gray Download

Spiritual Director

Decolores, I am the Reverend Chris Hogstad. My pilgrim weekend was in Southern California and Central Valley Via de Cristo #10 in 2000.
That weekend led me to seminary where I have served as pastor at several Lutheran churches across the country and am currently called to
serve at Trinity Lutheran in Pullman, Washington. I’m honored to have served in various positions over 20+ weekends in secretariats across the country. I have also participated in youth, prison and ecumenical weekends. I was elected as head spiritual director for the California secretariat and attended National Gatherings for the Western WA secretariat. My enthusiasm for the movement, the various roles have served on multiple weekends and settings, brings a great deal of experience to the movement. I desire to have people see the God that works in, with and through them to show love and grace as found in
Christ Jesus.