Leadership Ministry Board
Alan Meyer
Congregation President
Personal Information: My wife, Karen, and I moved to the area in January 2019. Most of our lives we lived in St. Louis, with the 15 years just prior to moving here being in Chicago. Karen and I have two sons and three grandchildren.
I received my education and degrees at Valparaiso University, Washington University in St. Louis, International School of Management in Paris, and Concordia University Chicago.
I have had the pleasure of serving in executive positions at Concordia Publishing House, Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and Concordia University Chicago with some additional years in public accounting, private industry, and consulting for not for profit ministries and agencies. The three years prior to my retirement were spent in China starting an international high school for Chinese nationals.
Karen and I are blessed to be a part of the family at Island Lutheran Church at this pivotal time in the life of the congregation as we experience and share the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Enjoys: Pickleball, trying to play golf, traveling, and volunteering for a local charitable organization.
Fun fact: While Karen and I enjoy dining out, we often find more pleasure in cooking and trying new recipes.
My Favorite Bible Verse: John 13:34-35
“A new command I give to you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Contact: Alan Meyer, CLICK HERE
GREG BESTE
Congregation Vice President
Personal Information: Born in St. Louis and met my wife at Lutheran High School South. Went to University of Kansas and became an Architect. Moved to the Hilton Head in 1986 and was a charter member of Island Lutheran Church. Raised three children with Cathy who all went to Clemson University becoming a Physical Therapist, an Actuary and a Structural Engineer. Cathy and I now have 6 grandkids. Since 1986 I have had my own architectural firm on the Island and designed many residences and buildings, including Island Lutheran Church. The last 15 years I have focused on being a Forensic Architect, looking at damaged buildings. Both my wife who is a Pharmacist and I have now officially retired.
Enjoys: Golf, wine, eating out, traveling and pickleball
Fun Fact: Avid Green Bay Packers fan, with a large Packer football card collection and memorabilia
My Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Contact: Greg Beste, CLICK HERE
Bruce Rosenthal
Treasurer
Personal Information: I was born in Sheboygan, Wis but grew up in Redondo Beach, Cal. Returned to Wisconsin and graduated from UW with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Married Diane and have two children, son and daughter, and two grandchildren. Moved to Hilton Head in 2002 and Sun City in 2004. We have been members of ILC since moving here, served as Trustee and Treasurer.
Enjoys: Golf, woodworking, photography, gardening and reading.
Fun Fact: Bruce was the previous president of the congregation.
My Favorite Bible Verse Ephesians 2:10:
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Allen Ponsini
Recording Secretary
Personal Information: Born in New Jersey where I stayed until relocating to Hilton Head in 2019. Graduated Rutgers University as an Electronics Engineer. Retired from the Army National Guard after 26 years as a Lieutenant Colonel Infantry. Married Christina in 1990 and had two children Sarah (Middle School History teacher) and Daniel (Electrical Engineer) who both still reside in NJ. Retired from Standard & Poor’s in 2019 where I was the head of the Project Management Office.
Enjoys: Golf, wine, family time.
Fun Fact: When in High School, I carried a blanket around for a week when I was playing Linus in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.
My Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 12:18
“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.”
Lonnie Goulet
At-Large
Personal Information: I was raised in Endicott NY, one of 8 children. I met my husband Fred there and we moved to Charlotte, NC in 1985. Like most people, we vacationed on Hilton Head for a few years and decided we wanted to make the Island our home. I am a Realtor with Charter One Realty and my Fred is retired after being in Sales for his entire working career. We have 3 children Rachel, Victoria, and Conner. They are all married and we have 3 grandchildren.
Enjoys: Bike riding, going to the beach, spending time with family.
Fun Fact: My siblings’ names all end with “onnie” – with 8 of us you can imagine the constant confusion in our household.
My Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things in him who strengthens me.”
Andrew Buzzelli
At-Large
Personal Information: Born in New Jersey and met his spectacular wife Debbie on beautiful Hilton Head Island. They have a combined family of four children and one grandchild. He received a Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Buzzelli holds a Master of Science degree in Child Development and Visual Perception from the State University of New York.
Dr. Buzzelli, retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force. His military career included serving as a consultant to the National Aeronautic and Space Administration in developing the medical protocols currently utilized on the International Space Station.
Following my Air Force career, Debbie and I turned our attention to bringing health care to the unserved and underserved individuals in the South and then Appalachia. I was selected as Dean of The Incarnate Word University, Rosenberg School of Optometry in Texas.
Dr. Buzzelli and Debbie retired full time to Hilton Head Island in July 2022. They currently serve on the Board of Directors and Health and Wellness Committee of the non-profit Neighborhood Outreach Connection. They are vision care providers with Volunteers In Medicine on Hilton Head Island.
Enjoys: Golf, Boating, Biking, Music, Hiking
Fun Fact: Provided medical care for the football games at the United States Military Academy at West Point
My Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 2:10-11
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord…”
Jeff Dorth
Lead Pastor (non-voting)
Personal Information: My childhood was blessed with experiences that galvanized my love for my brother, Greg, and my sister, Heidi. Our parents, both now with the Lord, moved us often; I attended eight schools through twelve grades. We experienced many churches and godly pastors, teachers, and servants; I have wanted to be a pastor since I was eight years old and have treasured relationships with many mentors. While in college, I fell in love with Mary. We married in 1984 and are blessed with four children: Molly, Kenzie, Sam and Shelby. Mary and I have been privileged to serve the Lord in ministries from coast to coast: 16 years in California, 16 years in Wisconsin, and now in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. We look forward to many years, the Lord willing, of “island life” in the LowCountry.My favorite leisure activities: I enjoy water- playing with our family in the pool, walking on the beach along the ocean, boating, kayaking or wave-running, watching the rain fall from my reading chair in my study, and even biking through puddles on the path. Yes, I love water for many reasons, including water reminds me of my baptism and new birth into God’s family.
My favorite Bible verse: Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of salvation unto all who believe.”