The NovusWay Board is comprised of 15 board members and 4 Bishops. These individuals all serve on the board and bring unique perspectives and gifts. What unites them all is a love for the vision of NovusWay and camping ministry. Throughout 2026, we will feature two members each month and share how they support the ministry of NovusWay in their board service.
This month we introduce Kami Kinard and Steve Troisi.
Kami Kinard, NovusWay Board Secretary, board service 2021-2027
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
Beaufort, SC on the SC coast has been my home for the past 19 years. While living here I have authored several books, volunteered countless hours in schools, and started a small business. I’ve also spent a lot of time at St. John’s Lutheran Church where my husband, Shannon Mullen, serves as pastor. We are thankful to have raised our children, Justice and Corinne, as well as gained a daughter-in-law Paula and a grandson Arthur during the years we have lived here.
What is your history with NovusWay?
My relationship with NovusWay began when I attended Lutheridge as a camper. My siblings, cousins, and several friends went together every year and we loved everything about it from crafts, to camp songs, to new friends. But most of all, we loved the super-fun counselors. It became a dream of mine to grow up to be one. That mission was accomplished after my freshman year of college. I made some of the best friends and had some of the best experiences of my life while working as a counselor. I went on to serve Lutheridge on summer senior staff, and later in other capacities – from volunteer, to CARE leader, to workshop leader for Create in Me. I have served on the NovusWay board for four years, the past three of them as secretary. My husband and I met at Lutheridge and our children and daughter-in-law all worked there.
What is your goal for your board service?
My goal has always been to ensure the camp ministry thrives and that we remember our church depends on the success of our camps. I want our camps to be financially viable while also continuing to build new and maintain old relationships with all who love and have experienced our camps.
What is one thing you will never do again?
Never will I ever again go tent camping on Shackleford Island when the sand gnats are biting.
Steve Troisi, NovusWay Board Treasurer, board service 2024-2027
Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I serve as Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Boone, NC where we have been for almost 9 years. I am married to Deacon Stacey Troisi who is called to serve as the Campus Minister with Lutheran Students of Appalachian. We have three boys: Collin (14), Kelton (11), and Beckett (8).
What is your history with NovusWay?
My first week of camp at Lutheridge was when I was a seminary intern in the summer of 2008 helping to lead with the Campfirmation program. Since then, it has become a very important part of our family life. Each summer, I attend at least two weeks of camp: one at Lutherock with our Campfirmation Cluster (Going Green!) and one at Lutheridge where Deacon Stacey and I love serving as Care Leaders. Our boys have grown up going to Lutheridge and it is a place that has been instrumental in helping to nurture their faith. Over the years, our congregation has hosted Lutherroad programs through both Luthersprings and Lutheridge, and last summer we hosted an amazing week of Camp Noah. One of the joys of being in Boone is that most years I participate in the installation of the Lutherock Staff and often they will come to worship at Grace so we do a special prayer and blessing for them at the start of the summer.
What is your goal for your board service?
I joined the board in summer of 2024 and was asked to Chair the new Property Committee. Hurricane Helene along with building projects associated with the Lutheridge 75th Campaign kept us quite busy through my first year. In 2025, I was elected by the Board to the role of Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. My goal in serving on the board has been driven by my deep belief that camp and retreat ministries are becoming an even more crucial part of the development of life-long faith in the next generation of church leaders.
What is the most embarrassing song on your phone right now?
I really only have one playlist on my phone that is truly mine. I put it together to listen to while running and all the songs have the exact same beats-per-minute. The most embarrassing song on this playlist is probably “Let U Go” by Ashley Parker Angel circa 2006. I could make the argument that there are only so many songs that have the same BPM…but, if I am honest, I am not skipping to the next song when this piece of nostalgia pops up.
