Leadership Team

Shaun Luehring, President & Chief Executive Officer

Shaun Luehring became President & CEO of LUMIN Schools on January 1, 2019, overseeing more than 150 employees and 1,300 students at six Lutheran schools that serve primarily low-income, minority children in Wisconsin and Indiana. He was hired by LUMIN Schools in 2015 to create a network-wide academic infrastructure that established consistency in school cultures, instructional practices and leadership development. In his first three years of service, standardized test scores increased an average of 27 percent across all LUMIN Schools with its Wisconsin-based schools earning ratings of Exceeds Expectations or Significantly Exceeds Expectations by the Department of Public Instruction.

Before joining the LUMIN leadership team, Shaun spent 16 years serving Lutheran schools as a principal, teacher and executive, specializing in school turnaround, leading change, and serving children and families in low-income urban areas. He led several Wisconsin schools through tumultuous times, most recently Atonement Lutheran, which was considered a failing school when Shaun became principal. Under Shaun's leadership, Atonement became the 2nd highest performing school of all 80/80 schools in Milwaukee, serving 80 percent low income and 80 percent African-American students. Test scores increased by 27 percent, and the student retention rate grew to 93 percent along with an attendance rate of 97 percent.

Shaun also spent five years in California as the principal of Apostles Lutheran School in San Jose where he focused on student enrollment, which increased 15 percent in one year. This role in particular enabled him to work closely with students and prospective families, developing his relationship-building skills that were an essential part of his school turnaround work later in his career.

Outside of his work at LUMIN, Shaun is an adjunct professor at Wisconsin Lutheran College and a leadership coach for the Center for Urban Teaching. He has served on the board of directors for Choice Schools Association and Grace Lutheran in Grenada, West Indies. He regularly serves as a keynote speaker at education-related events and conferences. He is also an active church member at Salem Lutheran in Milwaukee. Shaun and his three children live in Milwaukee.

Renate Hougard, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Renate Hougard

Renate Hougard embarked on her journey with LUMIN Schools in 2006, following the merger of her previous workplace, Northwest Lutheran School, into the esteemed LUMIN School network. Renate has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in overseeing the financial operations of a rapidly expanding network of educational institutions. Renate, currently holding the esteemed position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, skillfully oversees a substantial budget of $12 million across six schools. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Renate efficiently manages the crucial aspects of compliance.

Renate, a native of Germany, cultivated her expertise in the field of accounting through comprehensive training during her formative years. Renate embarked on her professional journey with a significant turning point when her husband, Don, a distinguished Lutheran pastor, received a compelling call that led to their relocation to Canada. The Hougard family relocated to Milwaukee in 1996 following a subsequent call, in order to fulfill their roles at Benediction Lutheran Church. Presently, Don assumes the position of pastor, while Renate actively contributes as a member of the Board of Stewardship and serves as the treasurer. Renate is a dedicated individual who, alongside her husband, has successfully raised three accomplished adult children.

Mona Zignego, Chief Schools Officer

Mona Mona Zignego embarks on her journey at LUMIN Schools with over 32 years of educational experience. Raised in Brookfield alongside five siblings, she always had big dreams, considering careers ranging from a Broadway star to a teacher, principal, and even a nurse. Her passion for learning led her to earn degrees from UW-Eau Claire, Mount Mary, and a PhD from Cardinal Stritch University, along with certification as a Reading Specialist.

Throughout her career, Mona has taught all grade levels and subjects, gaining a wealth of experience across diverse educational environments, including alternative models like Waldorf schools. Prior to joining LUMIN this year, she contributed her expertise at CESA #1, where she worked with numerous school districts and alternative education programs.A hallmark of Mona's work is her dedication to research and continuous self-study, which she shares by publishing and presenting at national and international conferences.

Beyond her professional life, Mona is deeply committed to her family, having been married to her husband, David, for 32 years and raising five children. In her spare time, she enjoys writing journal articles, poetry, and working on her upcoming book, as well as staying active through hiking, biking, and reading. She also volunteers as a reading specialist at the school where she began her career, providing consultation on literacy, her lifelong passion. Her favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 13:4, embodies her life philosophy: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." At LUMIN, Mona is inspired by the people and the organization's strong faith-based values. She finds great joy in working directly with students in classrooms while championing literacy for all.