Leadership Ministry Board

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.”

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…”

Ron Groteluschen

At-Large

Personal Information: I was born and raised in Tennessee. I attended St. John’s College and received my degree in Finance & Accounting from the University of Nebraska Omaha.  I’ve worked in public accounting and hospital administration; the past 34 years mostly in the role of Chief Financial Officer. My wife Debbie and I lived for 30 years in North Carolina prior to moving to the area in 2016.  We have two sons who live in Oregon and Colorado. 

Enjoys: Traveling, golf, cooking and time with my family.

Fun Fact: Debbie and I are foodies, and we are always trying new recipes and restaurants. I often have long distance cooking competitions with my oldest son who is a chef in Oregon.  He normally wins but it keeps us connected.

My Favorite Bible Verse: John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Adrienne Sutton

At-Large

Personal Information : My husband, Wendell, and I have lived on Hilton Head Island since 1990. We consider Hilton Head our home. We moved here from Columbia, South Carolina to pursue our careers, Wendell in Insurance, and myself, as an educator. I served the Beaufort County School District as an Assistant Principal, Principal and Literacy Coach over the course of 34 years. I feel honored to have served the children of the Lowcountry. Prior to our move, I was a teacher in Lexington, South Carolina for 8 years. I have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and Masters of Education in Reading, with additional Masters in School Administration and Leadership studies, all from the University of South Carolina. Our daughter, Lindsey, graduated from Hilton Head High School, and the University of South Carolina, Columbia. She and our grandson, Rowan, now live in California— a great place to visit, but too far for grandparents! We joined Island Lutheran Church in January 2024; we have been Lutheran since our marriage in 1987. We responded to the open welcome of the Island Lutheran Church family, and have appreciated the opportunity to grow in knowing and sharing the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Enjoys : Cooking, reading, yoga, family time, friends, and afternoon walks with Wendell and our German short-haired Pointer, Darla.

Fun Fact: Having lived in South Carolina for three quarters of my life, Wendell says I can consider myself a “Southern Girl.” I was born in Long Branch, New Jersey and grew up in Oakhurst, Monmouth County New Jersey. Choosing the University of South Carolina for college was a pivotal decision in my life !

My Favorite Bible Verse : This varies over time and study, currently: Romans 5:2-4.

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering builds endurance,endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

Jeff Dorth

Lead Pastor (non-voting)

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.”