Rev. Dr. Paul Devantier
                            
Rev. Devantier’s experience in Washington includes serving as national director (from 2001 to 2006) of the Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program. The extensive, nationwide, $20-plus million program he managed was the result of “Adoption Awareness” legislation passed by the United States Congress. 

Previously, he served as executive director of communications for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod, a position he held for more than 18 years. In this capacity he supervised the publication of The Lutheran Witness, Reporter and other periodicals, developed Synod’s widely-used logo, managed radio stations, satellite networks, and video production. He served as executive producer for television specials and mass media campaigns. In addition to his Alliance responsibilities, he serves as Senior Vice President for Advancement at Concordia Seminary.

A graduate of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, with a Master of Divinity Degree, he holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication from Southern Illinois University and a Doctor of Letters Degree from Concordia University Nebraska. 

Since 1974 he has been the speaker on the internationally syndicated radio program BY THE WAY, which is currently heard daily on some 400 radio stations and through the Internet. He successfully defended religious freedom in broadcasting in a nine-year case involving KFUO Radio, St. Louis. The case ended in a positive, landmark decision by the Federal Appeals Court in Washington, D.C. that affirmed religious freedom in broadcasting. The media productions he has supervised have received awards from the National Association of Broadcasters, Hollywood-based Excellence in Media, Religion Communicators Council, Associated Church Press, Telley Awards and others. A network television special for which he was Executive Producer received an Emmy nomination. He served as script consultant for a teen pregnancy film that received the First Place Gold Camera Award at the U.S. International Film and Video Festival. The Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities honored him for his media efforts on behalf of those with developmental disabilities. Also, Rev. Devantier received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Concordia University Wisconsin. He and his family received the Outstanding Adoptive / Foster Parent award from the Adoption and Foster Care Coalition of Missouri and the “Friend of Adoption” award from the National Council For Adoption.

Rev. Devantier is a native of Wausau, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Ellen have five children - Richard, John, Andrew, Katie and Susan. The  Devantiers have been involved in child welfare and adoption-related activities and have welcomed more than 80 foster children into their home.