Melanie Potuznik Improving individual, group, and organizational functioning in faith-based nonprofits.
Profile
I am biased for action and experienced in growing people into who they have been created to be. I think strategically and am skilled at detailed follow-through. I coach and mentor individuals, lead and develop teams, and design organizational environments in which people may work to their potential, creating life-giving solutions.
Core Competencies
Strategic Mindset
- •Strategize for innovation with executive leaders
- •Lead organizations in clearly defining and living out their mission, vision and values
- •Revitalize ministries, utilizing a step-by-step methodology
- •Design thematic initiatives for organizational culture-change
High Emotional and Social Intelligence (per Emotional and Social Compentency Inventory)
- •Build and personally relate with individuals and families in intergenerational environments
- •Serve with people of varying ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, family structures, gender identities, abilities, and perspectives
Leadership Development
- •Train and support leaders on a regular basis to realign with vision & grow leadership pipeline
- •Initiate and coach mission-driven, values-based, cross-functional teams
- •Mentor and coach staff members, utilizing organizational leadership techniques
- •Engage groups in service, building cultures of generosity
Enthusiastic, Persuasive Public Presence (per Myers-Briggs Type Indicator)
- •Speak publicly on a regular basis to align community with visionary priorities
- •Lead all generations of people in a variety of capacities
Professional Experience
Visionary Leader, Confirmation Coordinator, Faith Leader for Young Families
Christus Victor Lutheran Church05/2019 – Present | Elk Grove Village, IL
Education/Certificate
Certificate of Organizational Leadership
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology08/2025 – 02/2026 | Online
Master of Divinity (Innovation and Leadership)
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago09/1995 – 05/2000 | Chicago, IL
B.A. Psychology
St. Olaf College09/1989 – 05/1993 | Northfield, MN
Organizations
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rostered Clergyperson03/2000 – Present | Chicago, IL