Dr. Paul Burtzlaff: Senior Pastor
Pastor Paul Burtzlaff and his wife of over 23 years, Suzanne, and their daughters, Sydnee and Reagan, relocated to St. Petersburg from Cleveland, Ohio, in August 2006. Pastor Burtzlaff graduated from Concordia Seminary with his Master of Divinity in May 1993. He furthered his studies at Stetson University, where he was awarded a Master of Science, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1997. He also has a PhD from The University of Florida, in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Pastor Burtzlaff previously served at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ocala, Florida, as Associate Pastor and School Administrator (1993-2001). Moreover, he also served as Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Westlake, Ohio (2001-2006).
Jesse Crosmer: Principal
Jesse has served as the principal of Our Savior Lutheran School since 1993. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. He earned his undergraduate degree at Concordia University Chicago.
Jesse served as a teacher and coach at Our Savior, in Houston, Texas, and Peace Lutheran in Ft. Lauderdale, before serving as the administrator at Holy Trinity, Tampa, where he stayed until accepting the call to Our Savior.
He has served on various Florida-Georgia District committees and accreditation teams. In 2000, he served as the President of the Lutheran Educators’ Conference. In 2006, he was presented with the Ben Egger’s Award as the outstanding Lutheran School Administrator for the Florida-Georgia District. He enjoys visiting family with his wife Becky, working on building projects, and following the Rays!
Chris Futch: Assistant Pastor
Pastor Chris and his wife, Elaine, have been married since 2010, and have two children. In their free time, the Futches enjoy exploring parks, beaches, and local restaurants.
Jennifer Johnson: Executive Director
Jennifer Johnson’s been Our Savior’s Executive Director since September 2010. Jennifer oversees the financial and business affairs of the church and the school. Before coming to Our Savior, she performed audits for Price-Waterhouse Coopers. She also has over 20 years of experience in commercial property management.
Jennifer is a University of South Florida (USF), MBA graduate. Jennifer and her husband, Chris, were married in 2004 and have two children who both attend Our Savior Lutheran School. They enjoy spending family time together outdoors and traveling.
Kim Fritz: Administrative Coordinator
Kim has worked in administrative capacities for over 30 years. Most recently, she was the Executive Assistant and Director of Special Events for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, for 11 years. Kim received her Bachelor's degree in Management with High Honors from Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners in 2000.
Kim and her husband, Ken, were first introduced to Our Savior Lutheran Church by Ken's parents, Duane and Isla Fritz, when Kim and her family relocated to St. Pete from Poughquag, NY, in 1988. Since then, they’ve been active members. Ken currently serves as Treasurer for the Congregation, as well as assists on various repair and construction projects.
Both of their children, Cameron and Kristen, are alumni of Our Savior Lutheran School, attending OSLS from the age of 3 through 8th grade. While her children attended the school, Kim served as Development Coordinator for Our Savior Lutheran School (OSLS), a role in which she helped lead the Development Council in their fundraising efforts for the school. During this time, they founded the OSLS Benefit Auction, as well as championed the Annual Fund Phone-a-thon event.
Kim also won a Ford vehicle from Oprah's Big Give initiative and donated it to the church for a fundraising effort, in which we raised over $20,000!
Kali Dambeck: Dir. of Admissions OSLS
Kali Dambeck comes to Our Savior with over ten years of experience in non-profit business management. Kali earned her Bachelors Degree from University of Florida. She also holds a Masters Degree in business.
Kali has three daughters who attend Our Savior Lutheran School. When asked why did she want to be on staff; "Because my children attended school at OSLS and I wanted to be involved and help make an impact (directly and indirectly) on their education."
Marilyn Brownlee: Director of Communications
Most of Marilyn’s communications career has been with religious organizations and she is thrilled to be back in a school setting. They enjoy boating and going to the beach with their rescue dog Blaze.
Jeremy Schauder: Director of Properties
Jeremy joined Our Savior as Director of Properties in February 2017.
Kristen Hitchcock: Director of Children and Family Ministries
Kristen is a Florida native having grown up in Orlando. She joined the Our Savior team in March 2022. After attending summer camp at Lutherock in North Carolina as a Middle schooler, Kristen decided from that point in she would in some way work with kids in ministry.
Kristen worked in staff at Luther Springs in 1999-2003 as a camp counselor before finding her true heart and passion in congregational ministry where she has served in several congregations throughout the Bay Area. One of her greatest joys in ministry is watching the spark of wonderment of Jesus come alive in the eyes of a child. Kristen resides on the south side of the Skyway in Parrish with her family.
kristen.hitchcock@oursaviorfl.
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