July 11, 2022
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Concordia Lutheran High School has named Matthew Konow, a 1991 alumnus of the high school, as the new Chief Advancement Officer. He will start Aug. 1.
As Chief Advancement Officer, Mr. Konow will be responsible for the design and implementation of the high school’s program of advancement including fundraising, marketing, communications, and admissions. The Chief Advancement Officer also provides leadership for the Concordia Educational Foundation and its strategic objectives and outcomes, which includes annual giving, capital campaign fundraising and endowment fund development.
“We are blessed to have Matt join our leadership team,” said Head of School Jacob Pennekamp. “His character, gifts, and experience will help advance the mission and ministry of CLHS. I’m excited to work alongside him as we form stronger partnerships in the community for the sake of raising the next generation of Christian leaders.”
Mr. Konow has served as the Executive Director of the Biblical counseling ministry of Cross Connections for over 10 years. Prior to his work in ministry, he was a Regional Sales Manager and Account Executive for Canon North America for over six years and at one time could tell you the best diners in most of the communities in Northeast Indiana. He served in the U.S. Navy Seabees from 1993 to 1998 and deployed all over the world.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Indiana Tech in 2005 and achieved a Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from Lilly School of Philanthropy in 2021 and earned his Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification in 2022.
“I look forward to working with the Concordia family and our network of dedicated donors to advance the mission and vision of our cherished high school,” Mr. Konow said. “My wife and I, as well as our daughters, have benefitted from the rich education Concordia provided us to achieve our goals and the firm faith foundation to spread our Lord's Gospel message as He has led us on the path He has prepared. I can't wait to learn from our alumni and donors from their own time and experience with our high school as we continue to invest in such a valuable resource for generations to come."
He and his wife, Amy (Fair), also a 1991 graduate of Concordia, have two daughters, Kayla (James) McCaig (CLHS Class of 2011) and Marina (CLHS Class of 2014) and are proud grandparents to Camden, whom they spoil shamelessly. He and his wife also had the honor to serve alongside Jacob Pennekamp, CLHS Head of School, and his wife, Sarah, from 2011 to 2019, in helping with the High School Youth Program at Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Concordia Lutheran High School, located at 1601 St. Joe River Drive in Fort Wayne, Ind., was founded in 1935 as a private, co-educational Lutheran high school open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. With Christ at the center, Concordia continues to pursue educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.clhscadets.com.