The Protestant Superintendent Andrea Mattioli (56) was elected the new chairwoman of the “Denk.Raum.Fresach” (DRF) association at the general assembly of the European Tolerance Center Fresach. She succeeds Manfred Sauer, who is moving to the board of directors after 12 years as chairwoman. In her new role, Mattioli will be responsible for the strategic development of the Tolerance Dialogues in Carinthia.
Upon assuming the chairmanship, Andrea Mattioli stated that she can build her future commitment to the European Tolerance Dialogues on an excellent foundation and “continue in good continuity,” building on the outstanding work already done by Manfred Sauer and his team. The new chairwoman will maintain the event’s thematic focus while also introducing new initiatives to strengthen its overall profile.
Mattioli has been the Protestant Superintendent of Carinthia and East Tyrol since December 2025. After studying theology in Tübingen, Munich, and Rome, she began her career as a pastor in the Ludwigsburg deanery. She originally came to Carinthia as a vacation chaplain; since 2019, she has been the parish priest in the Zlan-Ferndorf parish association. She is married and has three sons. Her main goal for the Diocese of Augsburg Confession in Carinthia-East Tyrol is to cultivate and expand the strong partnership for the religious, social, and cultural life of the region.
