Mr. Joel Bahr, Current Lutheran West Head of School, to Take on New Role with the CLHSA

The Cleveland Lutheran High School Association will welcome Mr. Joel Bahr, current Lutheran West Head of School, to a new position starting in July 2027. Mr. Bahr will serve the CLHSA as its Chief Advancement Officer & Assistant Superintendent, working toward continued development, advancement, and alumni relations initiatives.

The CLHSA owes much of the momentum in these areas in recent years to Mrs. Ashley Koza, who served as Director of Development from 2018 – 2026, when she stepped away from full-time employment to devote more time to her five children (with husband Joshua Koza LW’07). Ashley will continue to work for the CLHSA part time as Senior Development Officer, a role in which she will continue to foster relationships with the many generous donors to the CLHSA and its schools. 

Chris Steinmann ‘00, Superintendent & CEO, shares that “Ashley’s exceptional work in the Development Office over the course of the last eight years has advanced our mission and strategic plan in countless ways that have improved the experience of our students, our faculty & staff, and our alumni & donor community. She has offered expertise and vision that were invaluable to us during her full time years with the CLHSA, and I have no doubt that she will continue to provide guidance as we reach for new Advancement goals.”

In his new role as Chief Advancement Officer & Assistant Superintendent, Joel Bahr will work toward furthering the fundraising, special projects, alumni engagement, and sponsorships/partnerships at both Lutheran East and Lutheran West. 

Steinmann comments that “Joel will be a tremendous asset to both of our schools and to the CLHSA in this role. His natural ability to connect with others and his deep commitment to advancing our mission position him to make a meaningful and lasting impact. With his intimate knowledge of the Lutheran West community and his family’s longstanding connection to Lutheran East, we are confident he will serve with insight, dedication, and heart. We look forward to his leadership in this important role.”

The Head of School position at Lutheran West will be taken on by current Vice Principal of School Culture Thomas Balla.

Bahr says of Balla, “Having had the opportunity to work alongside Thomas these past few years, I have seen firsthand his ability to lead, build relationships, and connect with every member of the Lutheran West community. I am confident that Thomas will continue to advance the mission of Lutheran West while faithfully serving our students, families, faculty and staff. His leadership, character, and commitment to Christian education make him an excellent choice to lead Lutheran West into the future.”

Please join us in congratulating Joel Bahr and Thomas Balla on their new forthcoming roles.