From The Board Chairman | Jeffrey Langness

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I share with you that after a thorough and prayerful search, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Luke Fiskness has been selected as the next President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

Luke brings an impressive resume and deep connection to Hillcrest and the Church of the Lutheran Brethren. As the grandson of a Lutheran Brethren pastor, he was raised in the theological tradition that has shaped Hillcrest’s identity. His commitment to ministry is evident in his past service in youth ministry at Victory Lutheran Brethren Church in Jamestown and in his service at Inspiration Point Christian Camp and Retreat Center. His pastor’s heart has been evident in ministry and guided him in leadership roles in the corporate world.  As the husband of Katie Fiskness (HLA science teacher) and a father of five children (all Hillcrest students), Luke’s connections to Hillcrest are also very strong.

Luke holds a strong conviction that Hillcrest offers something truly special in the landscape of Christian education. Our theological tradition, coupled with our growing grasp of the classical education model, positions us uniquely to shape students’ minds and hearts for Christ. He has expressed how the Lutheran Brethren’s grace-based theology offers a compelling and unique perspective within the classical approach to learning, and he values the deep tradition of mentorship and discipline that Hillcrest has cultivated for generations. These are convictions that Luke not only holds but actively exercises in his leadership.

Beyond his theological grounding, Luke possesses expertise in organizational leadership as an executive at a Fortune 20 company with master’s degrees in both Business Administration and Executive Leadership. He also has an acute attention to detail and a demonstrated ability to build relationships and manage funding. These qualities will serve Hillcrest well as we strive to match our strong academic and spiritual formation with long-term financial stability. His vision and experience position him to continue strengthening Hillcrest’s foundation and leading us into a promising future.

Luke’s first day with the school will be Friday, April 11th, and he will step into his role as President soon after. We are working closely with President Brad Hoganson to ensure a smooth and strategic transition. Brad has faithfully stewarded Hillcrest over the past seven years, building strong relationships and positioning the school for continued growth. We are grateful for his leadership and believe his guidance in this transition will provide consistency for our school community. Luke has commented on how Brad’s leadership has created a strong foundation, making the opportunity to step into this role even more compelling. We are confident that Brad will continue to serve Hillcrest with the same grace and faithfulness as he helps guide Luke through this transition period, ensuring the handoff is excellent and that Hillcrest continues on a strong trajectory.

We also want to take this moment to express our deepest gratitude to Brad and Traci. Their dedication and love for Hillcrest have been evident in every aspect of their service. Brad has been instrumental in strengthening Hillcrest’s vision and mission, and Luke is stepping into a role that Brad’s unwavering commitment has shaped. Brad has communicated to the board that Luke is the perfect candidate to carry Hillcrest forward, and Brad’s support and encouragement throughout this process have been invaluable. We cannot overstate our gratitude for Brad’s grace, humility, and leadership during this transition. Words cannot fully capture our appreciation for his years of service, and we will forever be indebted to the faithful work that he and Traci have done for Hillcrest and the Gospel mission we serve.

We invite you to join us in thanking the Lord for His provision in calling a new leader who will continue to build on our foundation with passion, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the grace-based theology that defines us.

We are hosting a number of regional events in the coming months to introduce you to Luke. For the time being we invite you to visit the Hillcrest website to read more about Luke>>

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement of Hillcrest Academy.

In Christ,

Jeffrey Langness
Chair, Hillcrest Academy Board of Directors

Luke Fiskness is an accomplished executive leader with extensive experience in business management, leadership development, and youth ministry. He brings a unique blend of strategic expertise, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to Christian education as he prepares to assume the role of President at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.

Professional and Ministry Background

With a distinguished career in the technology sector, Fiskness most recently served as Senior Director at a Fortune 20 company, where he oversaw multi-regional operations across the New England area. He led a large cross-functional teams supporting 175 retail locations and hundreds of thousands of customers. His experience includes managing complex business relationships with companies and organizations of all sizes, consistently delivering growth and operational success in highly competitive environments.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Luke has a strong background in ministry and education. He previously served as Youth Pastor at Victory Lutheran Brethren Church, where he directed programming for preschool through college. His ministry experience reflects a deep passion for discipleship and shaping the spiritual lives of young people and their families.

Education and Leadership Expertise

Fiskness holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He earned his undergraduate degree in Religion from Faith Evangelical Seminary in Tacoma, Washington. His academic background, which combines advanced leadership principles with theological training, uniquely equips him to lead in both organizational and ministry settings.

A grandson of a Lutheran Brethren pastor, Fiskness maintains strong ties to the denomination and served as an elder at his home church in Osakis, MN. His deep understanding of the theological heritage of the Lutheran Brethren, coupled with his passion for classical Christian education, positions him to lead with a firm commitment to cultivating an environment where academic excellence and spiritual formation go hand in hand.

Personal Life

Luke and his wife, Katie, are dedicated to raising their five children in a Christ-centered home. Katie serves at Hillcrest as a Science Teacher and shares Luke’s passion for fostering faith and learning within their family.

As he prepares to step into the role of President at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Luke looks forward to leveraging his diverse leadership experience and unwavering commitment to Christian education to guide the institution into a future marked by academic excellence, spiritual growth, and faithful service.