New Lutheran education leader announced

Lutheran school principal Ms Jodie Hoff will be the next Executive Director of Lutheran Education Australia (LEA).

The appointment was announced on 9 September by Board of Lutheran Education Australia (BLEA) Chair Jill Lange-Mohr OAM, who described Jodie as ‘a deeply committed Lutheran educator, and a strategic and relational leader, with more than 25 years of executive leadership experience in Lutheran schools’.

‘She is passionate about Christ-centred learning communities that are visionary and grounded in gospel and grace,’ Jill said of Jodie, on behalf of the board.

On behalf of BLEA, she also thanked outgoing Executive Director Associate Professor Lisa Schmidt, who has served in the role since 2019 and finishes her tenure this month (September).

Jodie Hoff is the founding principal of Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School (LORDS), at Pimpama in South-East Queensland, having served in that position since 2011. A former student at Lutheran schools in South Australia and Queensland, she earlier taught at Trinity Lutheran College, Ashmore and St Andrews Lutheran College, Tallebudgera, both on the Gold Coast. At St Andrews, she also served as deputy principal.

With qualifications including a Master of Educational Leadership degree, a Graduate Diploma in Theology and a Bachelor of Education degree, Jodie will relocate to Adelaide and take up the LEA role in January 2026. LEA’s Director of Leadership Suzanne Jessen will be Acting Executive Director in the interim.

Jodie said she views the new role as ‘a call’ rather than ‘just a position’. ‘Over time, I’ve seen how God has gently led me into roles that bring together faith, education, and service,’ she said. ‘When this opportunity came, it felt like he was inviting me into this opportunity, not because I have all the answers, but because I can serve with the gifts He has given me and work collaboratively with others to strengthen our schools and the amazing work they are already doing.

She is most looking forward to ‘being alongside school leaders, regions, and communities, encouraging them to be confident in their identity and to share the hope we have in Christ’.

‘I’m excited about strengthening relationships between schools and congregations and about helping form new leaders who will take Lutheran education into the future,’ said Jodie, whose family has a rich history of service in Lutheran schools. Her father, Robert Hoff AM, was a Lutheran school principal for 46 years, and her sister, Sarah Hoff-Zweck, has been a leader in Lutheran colleges for many years, while her relatives Bernhard Hoff and Naomi Hoff were also Lutheran school leaders.

‘Our Christ-centred identity is our Lutheran schools’ greatest gift. We are also blessed with committed leaders and staff, supportive communities, and a rich heritage of faith and learning that continues to guide us.

‘My hope is that our schools are places where young people encounter Jesus, where faith and learning go hand in hand, and where graduates leave with wisdom, courage and compassion. I hope our schools are known for both their excellence and their grace, and that together we keep offering a vibrant, faithful witness to the wider community.’

Currently a member of Alberton Lutheran Parish in Queensland, Jodie has served in the voluntary role of chair of the Australian Lutheran World Service Board since 2020. A member since 2019, she will remain on the board when she takes up her role at LEA.