Staff

Scott Keith is the Executive Director of 1517 and Adjunct Professor of Theology at Concordia University, Irvine. He is a co-host of The Thinking Fellows Podcast and a contributor to 1517 and Christ Hold Fast. He is also the author of "Being Dad: Father as a Picture of God’s Grace." He earned his doctorate from Foundation House Oxford, under the sponsorship of the Graduate Theological Foundation, studying under Dr. James A. Nestingen.

Ted is Founder of 1517, and is the Director of Vision and Information Technology. Ted co-hosts the "Talks with Dad Rod" podcast with Dr. Rod Rosenbladt, his father. He is an entrepreneur who has created and owned a number of businesses (including New Reformation Press, the origin of 1517), whose career expertise is focused on design and technology, customer support, logistics and team management. He lives in southern California with his three children.

Doug Klembara is the Director of the 1517 Digital Team. He has worked as a freelance travel and commercial photographer and creative director for several organizations and companies. Doug lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Kelsi.

David J. Rufner is the 1517 Director of Relations and Development. His B.A. in Philosophy is from Concordia University - Chicago, and his M.Div. is from Concordia Seminary - St. Louis. After 16 years of parish ministry as a pastor, David is excited to work with churches, church workers, and donors to extend further the mission and work of 1517. He and his wife, Megan, have four excellent children and live in the mountains of southern California.

Steve holds a BA in English Literature and History from Concordia University, Irvine and an MA in Biblical Studies from Westminster Seminary in Escondido. He has spent over 20 years in the graphic arts and printing industry.

Daniel is the editor of Christ Hold Fast, an author, church and conference speaker, and co-host of the podcasts 40 Minutes in the Old Testament and 30 Minutes in the New Testament. He has served as a church planter, pastor, and worship leader. Dan currently lives in Bentonville, Arkansas with his wife Jessica and daughter Anna.

Adam is executive editor of 1517 Publishing and scholar in residence at 1517. He earned his DPhil from the University of Oxford in 2005 and has taught—and continues to teach—history at Concordia University (Irvine, CA) and Concordia College (Bronxville, New York). His publications include the books, "Martin Luther and Islam," "Making the Case for Christianity," and "The Resurrection Fact." Adam and his wife, Rachel, have four children and live with the swallows in San Juan Capistrano.

Dan van Voorhis is an author, historian, professor, and speaker at 1517. After receiving his Ph.D. in History from the University of St. Andrews, Dr. van Voorhis spent 11 years teaching history and political thought at Concordia University, Irvine. He is now the 1517 Academy Dean. He also spends his time writing for 1517 and hosting/producing podcasts including the Soul of Christianity and the Christian History Almanac. Dan is married to Beth Anne, and they have two sons, Coert and Raymond.

Bob is the senior pastor of Community Lutheran Church in Escondido, CA. He is a baptized husband, father, and pastor. He is the content editor for The Craft of Preaching, a preacher on You Are Forgiven Radio, and a contributor to 1517.

Kelsi works as editor-in-chief for 1517.org. She is the co-editor of, "Theology of the Cross: Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation & Reflections on its 28 Thesis," and is currently pursuing her MA in Reformation Studies from Concordia Irvine. Kelsi contributes to both Christ Hold Fast and 1517. She lives with her husband, Doug, in Dallas, Texas.

Caleb Keith is a Summa Cum Laude, and Honors Scholar graduate of Concordia University Irvine, and currently in the thesis stage of an MA in systematic and philosophical theology at the University of Nottingham. In 2018, he published a translation of Luther's Heidelberg Disputation. Caleb is husband to Erika Keith and father to Esther and Emerson. He produces the Thinking Fellows podcast and oversees the 1517 Podcast network.

Grant oversees Digital Marketing and Fundraising at 1517. He also helps with the 1517 Academy. He holds a BA in Rhetoric and Economics from Wabash College and is currently pursuing an MA in Humanities from the University of Dallas. He lives and works in Dallas, Texas.

Lana earned her BA in Vocal Music from Moody Bible Institute, and served in South Florida church music for over 25 years as lead vocalist, choir & orchestra director, vocal instructor, and department administrator. She has worked with large conferences and events coordinating talent, logistics, and operations.

Chad Bird holds master’s degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He draws upon his expertise as a former professor of OT and Hebrew to cohost the podcast, “40 Minutes in the OT.” Chad has authored several books, including his latest, "Upside-Down Spirituality: The 9 Essential Failures of a Faithful Life."

Sam Leanza Ortiz is the Publishing Assistant for 1517 Publishing. Sam graduated from Concordia University, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Thought. As publishing assistant, she is responsible for a number of different administrative tasks - from author relations to sales reporting. In addition to her work for 1517, she is also pursuing a Master of Arts in History at Baylor University. Sam currently lives in Waco, TX, with her husband Patrick.

Karen holds a BS degree in Business/Accounting and after working in Public Accounting and receiving her CPA license, she “retired” to raise her family. Since then, she has worked with Lutheran Churches in the LCMS for over 20 years. She feels great privilege and honor being able to serve at 1517 where the proclamation of the Gospel is always the focus.

Scott has worked as a Recording Engineer and Broadcast/TV Audio mixer in and throughout Hollywood for most of his career. He is the producer of You Are Forgiven Radio as well as 1517's "Christianity on Trial" podcast.

Pastor Ron Hodel was born in Denver, Colorado “around the middle of the last century.” He is a graduate of Denver Lutheran High School, Valparaiso University (Indiana) and Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana). He has served as Pastor in Richmond, California, Piedmont, California, and most recently for 28 years at Faith Lutheran Church of Capistrano Beach, California.

Erick Sorensen is the East Coast Representative of Relations and Development at 1517. His B.S. in Organizational Leadership is from Biola University, and his M.Div. is from Lutheran Brethren Seminary. Erick has served as a pastor in Southern California, New York City and New Jersey. In addition to his work in relations and development, Erick is co-host of the 30 Minutes in the New Testament podcast. He and his wife, Missy, have three loud and active boys and live in Roxbury, New Jersey

Brenton’s expressive work runs the gamut from crisp, bold graphics to dreamy nature photography and intimate snapshots of his growing family. An experienced musician playing drums as a live studio music production. Brenton leads Art & Design for 1517 and 1517 Publishing, formerly Sr. Art Director for Advantage Solutions, Design and Art Direction for ONYX Coffee Labs, Senior Designer for Ivie Inc. (Walmart), Visual Designer for Verizon Wireless.

Blake is a singer-songwriter, liturgist and experienced worship leader and currently oversees 1517 Music. He has released music as The Orange Effect, Communion Arts, and under his own name. Blake holds a BA in Humanities, a Director of Parish Music Certificate, and a MA in Theology all from Concordia University Irvine. Blake lives with his wife, Tara and their three daughters, Amelia, Olivia, and Willa, in Orange, CA.