Nominations for Diocesan Council

SPANISH TRANSLATION IS FORTHCOMING!

General Convention Deputy
Nominate 8 clergy and 8 lay, elect 4 clergy and 4 lay

Clergy

  • Jimmy Abbott

    Trinity, Galveston

  • Hannah Atkins-Romero

    Trinity, Houston

  • Christine Faulstich

    Episcopal Diocese of Texas

  • Cynthia Kittredge

    Seminary of the Southwest, Austin

  • Joshua Kulak

    Saint Michael’s, Austin

  • Scott Madison

    Resurrection, South Austin

  • Luz Montes

    Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • Blake Rider

    St. Stephen’s, Huntsville

  • Edward Thompson

    St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Austin

Lay

  • Abe Campos

    Saint Joseph’s, Salado

  • Anthony Chapple

    Saint James, Austin

  • Stephanie Drum

    St. Alban’s, Waco

  • Darren Elzie

    Trinity, Fort Worth

  • M. J. Gallop

    Grace, Alvin

  • Melinda Hunter-Rife

    Good Shepherd, Granbury

  • Mary Kenner

    St. Francis Episcopal Church, Houston

  • Marcia Quintanilla

    Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • Linda S. Patterson

    Saint Andrew’s, Bryan

  • Katie Sherrod

    St. Luke's in the Meadow, Fort Worth

Church Corporation Trustee
Nominate at least 2, elect 1

  • Jim Loftis

    St. John the Divine, Houston

  • Angela Tekell

    St. Alban’s, Waco

University of South Trustee
Nominate at least 2 clergy, elect 1

  • Justin Briggle

    Good Shepherd, Friendswood

  • Whitney Kirby

    Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School, Austin

  • Michael Sturdy

    Holy Spirit, Houston

Standing Committee
Nominate at least 2 lay and 2 clergy, elect 1 lay and 1 clergy

Clergy

  • Jacob Breeze

    Holy Family, Houston

  • Eric Bumgardner

    Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth

  • Ryan Hawthorne

    Grace, Houston

Lay

  • Vyonne Carter-Johnson

    Grace, Houston

  • Barbara Flanagan

    Grace, Georgetown

  • Keen Haynes

    St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Keller

  • Harriet Sturgeon

    Grace, Alvin

  • Ed Ziegler

    Holy Comforter, Spring

Executive Board
Nominate at least 6 lay and 4 clergy, elect 3 lay and 2 clergy

Clergy

  • Laura Warner Gilmer

    St. Stephen's, Hurst

  • Paige Alvarez Hanks

    Good Shepherd, Austin

  • Jason Ingalls

    Holy Spirit, Waco

  • Allen Junek

    Palmer Memorial, Houston

  • Addison McMillan

    Saint James’, Austin

  • Samantha Smith

    Saint Paul’s, Waco

  • Rohani Weger

    Holy Trinity, Port Neches

Lay

  • Sam Daniels

    St. Augustine of Hippo, Galveston

  • Ellen Eby

    Holy Comforter, Angleton

  • Bill Eldridge

    St. Paul’s, Navasota

  • Walter Foyt

    Holy Comforter, Spring

  • Michael Holder

    Saint James, Taylor

  • Cary McDonald

    Saint Andrew’s, Pearland

  • Marilynn Patterson

    St. Dunstan's, Houston

  • Paul Rycroft

    Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • Zack Sharp

    St. John's, Carthage

General Convention Deputy (Clergy)

Jimmy Abbott
Trinity, Galveston

  • I have served the Diocese of Texas for over fifteen years in ordained ministry. In that time, I have led dynamic, growing parishes, including where I currently serve as the rector of Trinity, Galveston. Furthermore, as the Diocesan Historian and an instructor in Church History at the Iona School fo    \r Ministry, I am very familiar with the history, governance, and role that General Convention plays in the Episcopal Church.  In previous councils, I have been elected to serve on the Standing Committee and Executive Board, and I currently serve on the boards of Camp Allen and St. Vincent's House. I believe that this range of experience would allow me to serve as a faithful deputy for the people of our Diocese.

Joshua Kulak
Saint Michael’s, Austin

  • I currently serve as associate rector at St. Michael’s, Austin, where I oversee parish outreach. A keen student of World Christianity and Christian witness, I completed my MDiv at Baylor’s Truett Seminary and my PhD at Liverpool Hope University before earning a Diploma of Anglican Studies at Seminary of the Southwest. I feel called to represent EDOT at General Convention as an advocate for mission, justice, and welcome. I am actively involved in the Episcopal Migration Caucus, which formed prior to the 81st General Convention to promote the Migration with Dignity framework, and I recently presented on the framework at the American Academy of Religion annual conference. I hope to be present in Arizona to continue that vital work on behalf of our immigrant members and neighbors. I also serve on the Diocesan Global Partnerships in Mission board and could represent those interests at General Convention as well. In my free time, you can find me spending time with my three loves: my wife, Kari; our two children; and Liverpool Football Club.

Edward Thompson
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Austin

  • I come with a passion for equity, compassion and service to God's people in a variety of contexts. With 35 years of ordained ministry and 8 years in the Diocese of Texas, my experience includes service on the local, diocesan, provincial and national church levels as parish priest, community organizer, ecumenical organizations, Bishop's administrative assistant (Canon to the Ordinary), middle school and college chaplain and teacher/instructor, diocesan rep to Provincial Synod and to Provincial Council, and deputy and alternate deputy to General Convention.

Hannah Atkins
Trinity, Houston

  • I serve as Trinity Episcopal Church, Midtown Houston’s fifteenth rector. I previously served as Senior Associate Rector at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. Before joining St. John’s Church, I served as Director of Theological and Christian Education in the Diocese of the Episcopal/Anglican Church of El Salvador, Associate Priest at St. John the Evangelist San Salvador, Priest-in-Charge at Holy Trinity Church Santa Teresa in San Martin, and as Interim Priest-in-Charge at St. Andrew’s Church in Amatepec, Soyapango. I am married to Elmer Romero, and we have four adult human children: Magaly, Sara, Samuel, and Daniel, along with Paco, the dog, and Roreaux, the cat. I have served the church in various capacities, including as past President of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’ Standing Committee and as a current member of the Boards of Trustees of both The General and Virginia Theological Seminaries. I served for the first time as Deputy from EDOT at the most recent General Convention and would be honored to build on that experience to serve another term.

Scott Madison
Resurrection, South Austin

  • I am running for Deputy to General Convention because I really enjoy the policy, polity, and piety discussions that help govern our church. I have served in this role for the past two general conventions and have really enjoyed the experience. I served on the Legislative Committee for Prayer Book, Liturgy, and Music. In 2022, I served on the calendar subcommittee of PBL&M, the group that makes recommendations on who to include on the calendar of people celebrated in The Episcopal Church. At the last General Convention in 2024, I continued working with this committee and served on the liturgy subcommittee that evaluated new and alternative liturgies to complement existing ones. Because of that work, the President of the House of Deputies appointed me to a working committee that will present a revised version of Article X of the Constitution of the Episcopal Church, which deals with The Book of Common Prayer. Being elected a deputy would allow me to continue representing the Diocese as the General Convention imagines new ways to engage the world while holding dear to our beloved traditions.

Christine Faulstich
Episcopal Diocese of Texas

  • Having served as chair of our diocesan deputation at the previous two General Conventions (2022 and 2024), I am seeking to be re-elected out of a desire to ensure that our church-wide governance runs effectively. This is imperative for our overall mission work at the diocesan and parish level. I bring with me the experience of having served as secretary and then vice-chair of the Governance Committee at those two previous Conventions, and also having served on a church-wide taskforce on Communion across Difference. In the past I have been part of a larger group bringing forward legislation that specifically helps our diocese, including the Fort Worth reunification and the constitutional change that could potentially allow us to have an additional suffragan bishop. In my work with the wider-church I am always seeking to learn from what others are doing well and to share what we have learned in our context. Jesus calls us to the work of evangelism, reconciliation, and service, and in my role as Canon to the Ordinary I am particularly aware of the need for good governance in order to help us to follow that call.

Luz Montes
Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • I serve as Canon for Latino Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston. Before my ordination, I was an elementary school teacher and have served The Episcopal Church in many capacities over the past fifteen years. I currently serve on the Commission on Ministry and the Executive Committee of the Commission on Hispanic/Latino Ministries in the Diocese of Texas. Most recently, I served as a Deputy to the 81st General Convention and continue my work on the Joint Standing Committee on Planning and Arrangements. My ministry centers on cultivating belonging and empowering diverse voices in the life of the church. I seek to represent this diverse diocese with a collaborative and hospitable spirit, strengthening relationships across cultures and nurturing a church where all belong.

Cynthia Briggs Kittredge
Seminary of the Southwest, Austin

  • My ministry is focused on reading and teaching scripture, writing, preaching, and clergy and lay formation. I retired as Dean and President of Seminary of the Southwest in 2024. I serve on the staff of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin and as Canon Theologian in the Diocese of Southwark in the UK. I serve as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Church Pension Fund. I feel called to draw on my experience and perspective to participate in the councils of the Church at this challenging time.

    My past positions in the wider church include being a member of the Steering Committee for Theological Education in the Anglican Communion, Chair of the Board of the Episcopal Evangelism Society, and President of the Anglican Association of Biblical Scholars. 

    I have published in the field of New Testament studies and am the author of A Lot of the Way Trees Were Walking: Poems from the Gospel of Mark. Prior to coming to the Diocese of Texas in 1999, I taught at Harvard University and the College of the Holy Cross. I earned my BA from Williams College and my MDiv, ThM, and ThD from Harvard Divinity School.

    My husband, Frank and I enjoy our three grown children and two grandchildren.

    I look forward to working with the deputation from the Diocese of Texas at General Convention to make thoughtful, theologically sound, and practical decisions for the church.

Blake Rider
St. Stephen’s, Huntsville

  • I am pleased to be considered as a candidate for Deputy to the 82nd General Convention of The Episcopal Church. I have attended two General Conventions in the past, once as an Alternate Deputy from the Diocese of New York.  I have followed the workings of The Episcopal Church nation-wide for over 40 years. My ministry in the church has included a curacy at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston; Rector of Christ Church in Poughkeepsie, NY; Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of New York; Transition Minister for the Diocese of Texas; and now Rector of St. Stephen's in Huntsville. I've experienced the church from large to small, urban to rural, parish to diocesan staff.  I believe that I can appropriately represent the Diocese of Texas as a Deputy and ask for your prayerful consideration.

General Convention Deputy (Lay)

Abe Campos
Saint Joseph’s, Salado

  • I am asking for your vote for reelection for Lay Deputy for the General Convention. I have served as a vestry member of our church St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Salado for the past 10yrs in both positions of Sr Warden and Jr Warden. I currently serve as a Lay Delegate Deputy at the General Convention, Executive board member for the Diocese of Texas and as Jr warden. As a Deputy to the GC, I not only will represent my church or the Diocese, but you as member of our church. I see myself as a member of the church who is interested in seeing it move forward to the future in a positive way. I currently assist our church with Spanish translations and reading our gospel in Spanish. I also help with numerous special annual events including our annual Posada and I represent our church throughout the community.

M. J. Gallop
Grace, Alvin

  • I was first drawn to The Episcopal Church as a college student captivated by the mystery, beauty, and order of its liturgy. I later experienced the Church’s ethos of welcome, inclusivity, and boldness when my husband and I were married in an Episcopal parish in 2012. Today, my family and I call Grace Church in Alvin, Texas our spiritual home, where we have witnessed the generous and loving side of The Episcopal Church as a parish that feeds the hungry and cares for its community with compassion and dignity.  Grounded in a theological education (M.Div., Truett Seminary), more than 20 years of experience as a church musician (choir director and organist), service as a vestry member, and my current role as a middle school choir teacher, I bring both practical leadership and creative vision to this work. It would be an honor to be considered for this role as we seek to help The Episcopal Church thrive and grow in all the right ways.

Linda S. Patterson
Saint Andrew’s, Bryan

  • I am the full-time Director of Music at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Bryan. I was honored to serve with the EDOT Deputation at General Conventions 78 (Salt Lake City), 80 (Baltimore), and 81 (Louisville), where I worked with Bishop Doyle as Secretary of the Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee.  Since 2003, I have served as Chair of the EDOT Music Commission, administering Choral Festivals and Diocesan Music Camp for high school students.  I have been involved with several national boards, including the Association of Anglican Musicians, the National Episcopal Cursillo Board, and served as Musician for both the National DOK and ECW Triennial Conventions. In our Diocese, I have worked with Faith Formation, Cursillo, DOK, and Diocesan Council Planning, and I teach the music component for the Iona School.  It would be an honor to represent our Diocese once again.  

Anthony Chapple
Saint James, Austin

  • I am retired from a career in health care relations spanning over 30 years for the State of Texas and the Texas Medical Association. I am vice president of the Myra McDaniel Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and serve on the Board of Trustees of the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest. I am an Area Coordinator for the House of Bishops with the Office of the General Convention in New York. I have previously served on the Executive Board of the Diocese and chaired the Governance Committee. In addition to my work for the Episcopal Church, I am a board member for First Focus on Children, a bipartisan advocacy organization dedicated to making children and families a priority in federal policy and budget decisions.

Melinda Hunter-Rife
Good Shepherd, Granbury

  • I have been part of the Episcopal Church my entire life and am grateful for the many ways I have been able to serve. At Good Shepherd, I am active in Vestry leadership, the Altar and Flower Guilds, and EfM. Since moving to Granbury in 2016, I have also represented our parish at the 2018 North Texas Diocesan Convention and served as a delegate to the 2025 Diocese of Texas Council. My earlier church life at St. Elisabeth’s in Fort Worth included roles as Sunday School Superintendent, Memorial Garden Chair, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Altar Guild member—experiences that helped shape my love for parish ministry and community life. Outside the church, I bring more than 20 years of professional experience in the insurance and banking industries, where I have managed teams in areas such as legislative compliance, project management, and mergers and acquisitions. My background in risk management and operational efficiency reflects my commitment to thoughtful, steady leadership. I also serve the wider community as.

Katie Sherrod
St. Luke's in the Meadow, Fort Worth

  • I have a deep knowledge of The Episcopal Church & the Anglican Communion. I reported on every General Convention since 1991 as well as reporting on the 1998 and 2008 Lambeth Conferences.  At the 2008 Lambeth I was editor of The Lambeth Witness, a newspaper published by advocacy groups from TEC and the Anglican churches of England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Australia and distributed daily to every bishop at Lambeth. In 2009 I was elected a deputy to General Convention from the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth. I have served every General Convention since, in 2024 as a deputy from EDOT. I am currently serving my second term on the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church, where I chair the Executive Officer Review Committee and am liaison to the Joint Standing Committee on Governance and Operations. I have served on many General Convention committees and task forces and on the Advisory Committee for President Gay Jennings, and now, for President Julia Ayala Harris.  I also serve as senior warden at my congregation, St. Luke’s in the Meadow, Fort Worth. It would be an honor to serve as a deputy again.

Stephanie Drum
St. Alban’s, Waco

  • I would be honored to serve in this position for various reasons, including my position as a lay leader in the church, the variety of roles I hold, as well as a desire to serve the wider church. As a Campus Missioner, I am a lay minister in a position commonly or even usually held by a clergyperson. I work with youth and young adults (formerly with children as well), and I would bring the perspective of a lay minister to General Convention as I represent so many of these voices. I have worked in Youth Ministry for over 11 years, and carry with me the former experience and enrichment of Children’s Ministry. Both of these special ministries have not only honed my skills as a teacher but also enabled me to better see our smallest church members as ministers, disciples, and witnesses to the Gospel. In College Ministry as well as Young Adult Ministry I’ve had the more recent honor and experience of walking with young people through transitional periods that hold big questions about themselves and God. Additionally, I hope to elevate the real concerns and experiences of lay ministers and lay people (especially youth and college students). I desire to be a part of the conversations in The Episcopal Church beyond Waco, and even beyond our diocese. Questions such as how our diocese fits into the greater national, and global, picture of the Anglican tradition/Christian faith, and how our congregation (small or large) fits into that picture are what am interested in pursuing. I would love to be part of the conversation for our Church as we seek to love and serve God and our neighbor.

Mary Kenner
St. Francis Episcopal Church, Houston

  • I am a lifetime Episcopalian and a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church, Houston. Throughout my adult life, I have enjoyed serving in roles such as Vestry (three times), capital campaigns (three times), altar guild, Bible study leader, lay reader/chalice bearer, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Clerk of the Vestry. I am a Human Resource leader with a Master’s of Business Administration and a Master’s in Human Resource Management. My most recent role was CHRO for Freeport LNG. Other companies I have served while building a career of progressive HR leadership include Swift Energy Company, TXU Energy, Shell Trading, AXA, Texas Children’s Hospital, and PHH Corporation. I enjoy helping organizations facilitate growth, change, process improvement, reward, and performance management initiatives. I am the immediate past president of the board of directors for Citizens for Animal Protection, a large animal shelter in west Houston, and chair the Leadership & Compensation Committee. Although I am a native Houstonian, I have lived and worked in a number of different cities, with a favorite being Melbourne, Australia, where I was a vestry member at St. Barnabas, Balwyn. I have two dogs, and my Austin family members are active members of their church at St. Michael’s. I am excited to serve at Diocesan Council to represent my community and strengthen our shared future. I feel truly blessed to be spiritually fed by our liturgy and to continue learning more and more about our God through our Church.

Darren Elzie
Trinity, Fort Worth

  • It has been my privilege to serve as a delegate from Trinity, Fort Worth, to the 2025 Diocesan Council and to be elected once again to be a delegate to the 2026 Diocesan Council. Even before my service as a delegate to Diocesan Council, I felt a nudge of the Spirit to serve as a deputy to General Convention. In 1991, while attending Wesley Theological Seminary, I became an Episcopalian and I have served in variety of leadership roles in the church including acolyte master, Eucharistic Minister, and lector. In my previous parish, St. John's, Memphis, TN, I was an assistant to the rector for Christian formation. I recruited and trained lay ministers and, at one point, served as the interim acolyte master. I also maintained the clergy and lay ministry rotas. I was a catechist and a licensed preacher in that diocese and served on a diocesan committee exploring ways to revive Episcopal campus ministry in the diocese. Currently, I serve as a catechist and Eucharist minister at Trinity, Fort Worth, and am also a licensed preacher in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. I am excited about the opportunity to use my experience providing administrative support and pastoral care in representing the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as a deputy to General Convention.

Marcia Quintanilla
Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • I am a lifelong Episcopalian, and my faith and formation have been deeply shaped by the Diocese of Texas, where I serve as Minister for Youth at Christ Church Cathedral. In addition to my role in youth ministry, I also serve as chair of the Costa Rica Committee under the Diocese’s Global Partnerships in Mission and as a member of the Executive Committee of the Commission on Hispanic–Latino Ministry. Over the past decade, I have participated in four General Conventions in various capacities, including participating in 2015 Why Serve at the Young Adult Festival, serving as a member of the 2018 Young Adults Festival Design Team, writing for the 2022 Episcopal Herald, and serving as an adult mentor for the 2024 General Convention Youth Official Presence. These experiences have strengthened my belief that the Church’s governance is a vital expression of shared faith and mission. Through my ministry in youth formation and global partnerships, I have witnessed how decisions made at General Convention have a profound impact on real lives and communities around the world. Bilingual and rooted in cross-cultural ministry, I bring a perspective shaped by collaboration, compassion, and discernment, seeking to help the Episcopal Church reflect the fullness and diversity of the Body of Christ. Outside of ministry, I am the proud mother of Jaylah and enjoy time with loved ones and dancing to a good salsa playlist.

Church Corporation Trustee

Jim Loftis
St. John the Divine, Houston

  • I have served the Diocese of Texas as Vice-Chancellor for going on 6 years, and have assisted the Chancellor in advising the Diocese and the Bishop on a number of issues, including Church property matters, and the formation and dissolution of non-profit entities, among other canonical and secular legal issues. I have also been a part of the TEC-wide Episcopal Chancellors Network, where I have recently provided training on use of mediation and conciliation in disciplinary matters.  I expect to begin an additional role assisting with canonical review of proposed resolutions for General Convention.  I have served twice as senior warden of my parish, including during a rector search period, and as verger and instructor in youth formation.  We are currently working on a partnership with another parish to assist it in growth in its community.  I have been a practicing lawyer for 35 years and a law professor at UT Austin for 15 of those years.  I’m moving into full-time pro bono practice, and I see this nomination as a call for me to expand my family’s service to the Church in matters where we can use the experience and skills God has given us for His Church.

Angela Tekell
St. Alban’s, Waco

  • I am a Baylor lawyer who primarily represents public and private schools, handling matters related to real property, construction, contracts, and employment, and I also provide counsel to school professionals regarding general education law. Since 2022, I have served as a member of the EDOT Executive Board. In my capacity as a Board member, I have served on the Governance Committee and, for the last two years, as the committee’s chair. With the assistance of extraordinary committee members, the committee proposed updates and revisions to Canons III to the Diocesan Council in 2025 and is presenting Canon IV revisions in 2026. Through that process, I became familiar not only with the Canons, but also with the organizational formation documents and bylaws of all EDOT-related entities and foundations.

    I have been a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco for 41 years, and over that period of time, I have served on the Vestry five times under five rectors and have chaired and participated in a myriad of committees. During the last 10 years of significant capital improvements to the St. Alban’s campus, I provided legal advice and counsel, when needed, to the Vestry and Rector and wrote and negotiated the church’s construction and architectural agreements. I grew up in Belton and was a member of St. Francis Episcopal Church in Temple, where I married my husband, David, in 1986. David and I have two sons and one grand-dog who live in New York City and Boston.

University of the South Trustee (Clergy)

Justin Briggle
Good Shepherd, Friendswood

  • As a proud alumnus of the University of the South (T’16), affectionally known as Sewanee, I am seeking election as clergy trustee to be a part of guiding the University’s continued success. Having discerned a call to the priesthood and been sent by The Episcopal Diocese of Texas for ministry formation to The School of Theology in Sewanee, I have more than a causal acquaintance with the role Sewanee plays in our diocese, in the wider church, and indeed as a world-class higher education institution. Having had a former career as a professor at a private, religious university, I would be pleased to represent our diocese and offer my experience and commitment as your next clergy trustee at Sewanee.

Whitney Kirby
Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School, Austin

  • In my decade-long tenure as the Upper School Chaplain at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Austin, I can attest that there is no better place to bear witness to the plenty of God’s harvest than in an Episcopal School.  Within these hallowed environments, students learn to be curious, courageous, and compassionate and are developed as servant leaders who seek to do good in the world.  Within the Diocese, I am serving in my first year on the Standing Committee, and, since 2019, have been both supporting the Curate Cohort Year 1 program and serving as Assisting Clergy at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin. I have served previously as the Canon for Formation and Multicultural Ministry at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ and as the Associate for Students and Outreach at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, VA. I would be honored to serve on the Board of Trustees at The University of the South and explore a new chapter of supporting a missional church and students at Episcopal schools. 

Michael Sturdy
Holy Spirit, Houston

  • I am the curate at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Houston, and a graduate of the School of Theology at Sewanee, where my three years were spent involved in a wide variety of life at the University of the South and in the town of Sewanee. During my time there, my work touched virtually every stakeholder in the area, from the University of the South to the St. Andrews’ boarding school to local churches and non-profit ministries.

    I feel called to serve as a Trustee because I believe Bishop Doyle’s visions of (1) the need for scholar priests, (2) the importance of relationship-building, and (3) a grounding in Anglican identity and the things we do best, are tailor-made to be fostered at the University of the South. A Trustee from the Diocese of Texas who believes in the mission of the Diocese and understands how the culture of Sewanee operates is key to what can be an increasingly important relationship. I believe I am well situated to represent the Diocese of Texas and its interests in a way that can be heard and implemented at the University of the South.

Standing Committee (Clergy)

Jacob Breeze
Holy Family, Houston

  • I am called to serve on the Standing Committee because the Church needs leaders who can faithfully design for the future while honoring our past. My experience building resilient, Jesus-centered, future-ready ministries positions me to bring this perspective to our work of discerning God’s call in diocesan direction, candidates, and bishops.  I started and serve at Holy Family, a thriving Episcopal church for people without a church in Houston’s East End. I lead a 13-person staff and steward a campus housing the LAR Gallery. In the Diocese, I teach theology at the Iona School for Ministry, serve as an Examining Chaplain, and train and mentor new clergy. Previously I trained monthly cohorts of church planters, served on Bishop Doyle’s Faith in the Future initiative and Bishop Ryan’s Formation Task Force, among other diocesan roles. I coach clergy on leadership and parish health. My congregational experience spans nearly two decades across diverse settings: from revitalizing a small rural parish in North Carolina to strategic leadership in two large Houston congregations in another denomination. I’m currently a PhD candidate in Systematic Theology at Aberdeen (Scotland).  I would bring to the Standing Committee a leader who thinks systemically about church health, acts strategically about sustainability, and remains grounded in the theological conviction that God is calling us to be the Church that can thrive in the decades ahead.

Eric Bumgardner
Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth

  • I recognize the significant prayer, time, and resources invested in my formation by this diocese, and so am willing to stand for election to the EDOT Standing Committee. I believe that service to the diocese as a member of the Standing Committee is an opportunity to pay forward that investment. To this role, I can offer my faithful presence, a commitment to positively engage in the process, and a willingness to learn. I bring with me approximately 10-years experience in various lay ministries, more than 20-years experience in Higher Education administration (communications, marketing, recruitment, and development), and the perspective of being raised between two cultures.

Ryan Hawthorne
Grace, Houston

  • I feel drawn to serve on the Standing Committee because I care deeply about the discernment and integrity of the Church’s leadership and life together. I value thoughtful, prayerful decision-making and believe my experience in pastoral ministry, collaborative leadership, and lay formation has prepared me to contribute well to that work. I try to bring both honesty and curiosity to conversations, especially when there’s complexity or disagreement, and I have a steady sense of perspective that helps me listen well and seek the good of the whole community. This role feels like a natural extension of my commitment to the Church’s mission and to supporting those called to

Standing Committee (Lay)

Vyonne Carter-Johnson
Grace, Houston

  • The Episcopal Diocese of Texas has been my spiritual community and extended family for many decades.  My heart is full of service to the Lord.  My faith has been the key to overcoming several challenging times in my life.  I honestly believe all things are possible with God.  With God, I find joy in most things.  I even found joy and peace on the radiation table.  I see serving on the Standing Committee as a spiritual call.  During my previous service on the Standing Committee, I wrote, “Standing Committee is both a professional and a spiritual call.” This still holds true for me today.  After 44 years as a Human Resources professional, I carry experience in strategic planning and organizational leadership forward into this nomination. My spiritual formation in study, worship and community strengthens my walk with our Lord, and the people who interact in my daily Christian life have all strengthened me as a Christian, a leader, and an Episcopalian. I would be honored to serve God and our Diocese as we continue looking to the future.

Harriet Sturgeon
Grace, Alvin

  • My calling to serve on the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church is rooted in a deep commitment to the spiritual and administrative integrity of our diocese. The Committee’s role as the bishop’s council of advice and, when necessary, the ecclesiastical authority, offers a meaningful way to apply my skills and experiences.  At Grace Episcopal Church–Alvin, I serve in several ministries, including registration for our Food Ministry, Servant Keeper administration, and as Verger. My year of training under The Rev. Suzanne Smith and membership in the Vergers Guild gave me insight into church operations and priesthood. As Verger, I train acolytes and servers, coordinate with ministries and guilds, and ensure worship is conducted faithfully and efficiently.  Professionally, I am a university supervisor and professor of clinical teachers, supporting and evaluating future educators for certification. These skills—mentorship, discernment, and evaluation—translate directly into advising and supporting candidates for ordination.  I feel called to bring a spirit of respect and collaboration to this work, ensuring diverse voices are heard in Christ’s name. It is a privilege to serve in a ministry that manages the “holy workings” of the church, and I am prepared to dedicate the time and thoughtful consideration needed to support our bishop and diocesan family.

Barbara Flanagan
Grace, Georgetown

  • I have recently finished my term on the Vestry at Grace Episcopal Church in Georgetown and am looking for other ways to serve our church.  I grew up in the Episcopal Church in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.  I spent my working life of 30 years as a Development Director for several children’s charities in Palm Beach County, Florida.  Several of the fund raising events that I initiated have been on the social calendar for over 30 years and raised millions of dollars.  In Florida, I was a member of Bethesda-by-the Sea Episcopal Church where I served on the board of the ECW and taught Sunday School.  I moved to Texas nine years ago and became a member of Grace where I have been on the ECW board for eight years.  I have planned all of the meetings and events for the ECW, organized two auctions that raised almost $75,000.00, served four years on the Vestry and was on the Search Committee for our new Rector. It would be an honor to serve on the Standing Committee for our diocese.

Ed Ziegler
Holy Comforter, Spring

  • I am an active member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Spring, Texas. I currently serve on the Vestry as Senior Warden and have previously served as Junior Warden. I am active at Camp Allen, serving on the Board of Trustees for a second term and as Summer Camp Session Director for 19 consecutive years. I served on the Diocese of Texas Executive Board from 2015–2018 and on the Diocese of Texas Standing Committee from 2018–2021. I was also a member of the search committee for Holy Comforter from 2022–2023.

    Prior to moving to Holy Comforter in 2013, I served as Director of Family Life Ministries at Trinity Episcopal Church in Midtown Houston from 2005 to 2013. Outside of the church, I am an owning partner of The Young Learners, with two childcare centers and two ABA clinics for children on the Autism Spectrum. I have served on the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and as Chair of that board, on the D. Bradley McWilliams YMCA Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Scouts BSA Troop 293/1293 Committee. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University, am married to Katy, and we have three children: Edward, Amelia, and Meg

Keen Haynes
St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Keller

  • Retired from the United States Marine Corps where I served in multiple leadership roles, I now work as a Software Engineering Manager.  After my father’s death in 2010, I found myself drifting back to the Church I had abandoned as a teen.  I became active at St. Thomas in Temecula CA, serving as an usher, member of the Bishop Committee, delegate to the Diocesan Convention where I was elected to the Executive Council of the Diocese of San Diego. During my time on the council, I contributed to several sub-committees, including the Disaster Recovery Committee. A little over nine years ago, after moving to Fort Worth, God led my family and I to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a community that welcomed us with love and compassion from the very beginning.  At St. Martin-in-the-Fields I am actively involved as delegate, usher and chalice bearer.  I have served on the Vestry as both the Junior and Senior Warden, as well as on the Executive Committee in the Episcopal Church in North Texas. Currently, I serve on the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and as a member of the Mission Subcommittee.  Additionally, I have participated on three discernment committees, chairing two of them. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I believe would serve me well in the duties of the Standing Committee.  I am eager to find new ways to serve the Diocese and feel confident that I would be a great asset to the Standing Committee.

Executive Board (Clergy)

Laura Warner Gilmer
St. Stephen's, Hurst

  • I am a bi-vocational priest serving as Associate Vicar in the North Region at St. Stephen’s in Hurst (at the time of this writing, a forthcoming update is due to an impending parish name change). My other vocation is my employment as Parish Administrator to St. John’s, Dallas (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas). I feel equipped to accept nomination to the Executive Board, having served as a layperson on the Executive Council of another diocese and, also as laity, for two terms as a Vestry Member.

    My years in parish administration have lent me an understanding of parish and diocesan business and fiscal components, which augment my primary ministry focus areas of preaching and pastoral care. Blessed to have been called, affirmed in communal discernment, and ordained to be a pastor and worshipper on the ground in the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Texas, I feel that I could be of good service to the body of God’s church through supporting diocesan interests and leadership on the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

Addison McMillan
Saint James’, Austin

  • I am interested in serving on the Executive Board of the Diocese because I have a longstanding desire to learn more about how our Diocese stewards its resources. I believe I can offer a fresh and valuable perspective to those conversations. As a young clergy person, I am also eager to grow in my understanding of the Diocese’s work and responsibilities and to learn from the experience of those who have served before me. Additionally, I hope to advocate for communities and individuals who feel underrepresented in diocesan leadership, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are taken seriously.

Paige Alvarez Hanks
Good Shepherd, Austin

  • Serving in governance beyond the parish level is one way I feel called to serve God's church. My current role at our large parish includes oversight of many of the same functions, task, and responsibilities of the Executive Board, and I hope that offering my administrative and leadership skills to serve the diocese in this way will contribute to continued excellence and the building up of God's kingdom. Being responsible stewards of our resources takes many forms, and I am humbled to be considered to serve the church in this way.

Samantha Smith
Saint Paul’s, Waco

  • It has been a joy to serve the Diocese of Texas in many ways over the last 8 years, including as a Deputy and Alternate Deputy to General Convention, as a member and now chair of the Remuneration Committee, as a member of the diocesan worship planning team, as an Examining Chaplain, and as a current Mentor-Facilitator for our Curate Cohorts. This breadth of experience has shown me the beauty and interconnectedness of our diocese, and I would hope to bring that perspective and experience with me as a member of the Executive Board. Participating in some of the financial, formational, and church-wide impact we make everyday has prepared me well to serve the diocese in this way.

Jason Ingalls
Holy Spirit, Waco

  • I serve as Rector of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Waco, where I have led strategic growth, strengthened community partnerships, and guided organizational renewal. Over the past several years, I have introduced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) across multiple ministry areas, helping our parish clarify mission, build healthy systems, and cultivate a culture of spiritual maturity, collaboration, and accountability. This work has shaped my conviction that strong governance and clear processes allow congregations to flourish and pursue their God-given purpose with joy.  Beyond parish ministry, I have served on the Bishop Quin Foundation Board and the Standing Committee, including one year as President. In these roles, I gained valuable experience in diocesan governance, clergy transitions, financial stewardship, and long-range planning. I currently serve as the Spiritual Director for Happening, where I support the spiritual formation of youth and young adults across the Diocese of Texas. Together, these roles have given me a broad and balanced perspective on the life of the diocese, from congregational development to youth formation to institutional leadership.  I bring a systems-minded, collaborative approach to governance, integrating spiritual vision with practical management. I believe the Executive Board plays a vital role in ensuring that our shared mission is aligned with faithful stewardship, transparent processes, and a spirit of hope. I would be honored to help strengthen that connection across the diocese and support our congregations as they bear Christ’s reconciling love in their communities.

Rohani Weger
Holy Trinity, Port Neches

  • I am honored to be nominated for the Executive Committee. I have been a priest for 15 years serving in various multi-cultural churches around Austin, and as an interim in two rural communities.  I also served on the Commission on Hispanic Ministry for several years.  Currently, I am the rector at Holy Trinity, Port Neches.  Our involvement with the Small Church Network has helped our church see the possibilities of ministry in our community.  I feel it is important to bring the perspective of our small churches to the table.  I bring experience in both urban and rural churches as well as multicultural congregations. Through my various calls, I have seen how working in partnership with the Diocese can benefit the local congregation, I look forward to serving on the Executive Council as we envision the future mission of this Diocese.

Allen Junek
Palmer Memorial, Houston

  • I’m honored to stand for election to the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and am excited for an opportunity to serve the wider church in governance, stewardship, and mission beyond the parochial level. I first fell in love with The Episcopal Church in the former Diocese of Fort Worth. When it came time for me to discern ordained ministry, I lived in Dallas; and through the gift of alternative oversight, the Diocese of Texas graciously took me in. Now, having attended Seminary of the Southwest and served as Curate at St. Matthew’s, Austin, I am eager to give back to the same diocese that has enabled me to live into this vocation. Prior to ordained ministry I worked in strategic communication and development at Texas A&M University. This experience afforded me opportunities to steward resources with transparency and conduct my activities with an organization’s strategic vision in mind. In Austin, I have ministered in both parish and campus contexts, having also served at The Episcopal Student Center at UT. Most recently, I launched a convocation‑wide young adult ministry that draws participants from across the Austin-area. Shortly following our wedding last summer, my husband Alex and I relocated to Houston so that I could accept a call to serve as Associate Rector at Palmer Memorial, Houston. I am grateful to have been nominated, and if elected, will work faithfully with my colleagues in advancing the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ across the Diocese of Texas.

Executive Board (Lay)

Sam Daniels
St. Augustine of Hippo, Galveston

  • I am in my first year of serving as Senior Warden. I have grown tremendously in my faith and as a leader. My commitment to Episcopal standards and values has also grown, and I have stepped into this role with full confidence. I am grateful for the opportunity to grow and lead our congregation, even throughout some of the toughest times.

Michael Holder
Saint James, Taylor

  • Hello, my name is Michael Holder. I have been Nominated to stand for election for executive board. After reading the description of this position and discerning this nomination I am standing for this nomination.  I came into the Episcopal church from another faith tradition and became a member of St. James in Taylor TX over 15 years ago. I currently am a member of the Verger Guild and an active Verger at St. James; I attended the IONA School for Ministry on the 3 year Lay Theological Lay Track and completed that in June 2022. I currently serve at St. James as a lay minister in the following areas Lay Preacher, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Bishop Committee member, Acolyte. I have previously served as Bishop’s Warden.  For my occupation I am currently the Facilities Manager at St. David’s in Austin, TX.

    Being a Lay minister at St. James and on staff at St. David’s I understand the workings of, and the complexities that a small church and a large church both have.

Zack Sharp
St. John's, Carthage

  • I currently serve as Bishop’s Warden at St. John’s in Carthage, where I previously was elected to the Bishop’s Committee, delegate to Diocesan Council, and am pleased to regularly assist as a worship leader, lector, chalice-bearer, and altar guild candle-filler. I believe my 20 years of experience in management and leadership could be of value to the Executive Board.  I happily stumbled upon the Episcopal Church in college and quickly became a “church nerd,” taking discovery classes at Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, and was confirmed there in 2002. Since then, I have developed a deep appreciation for the theology, traditions, and polity of the Episcopal Church, having been liberated from a small, narrow worldview into the great grace of the three-legged stool upon which we rest our theology. Thus, I would bring excitement for the cause, energy for the work, and an appropriate seriousness to the Board’s business if selected to serve in this position.  My professional expertise is in healthcare administration, non-profit governance, and interdisciplinary team leadership. I have a master’s degree in public administration as well as an undergraduate degree in psychology. My daughter recently completed high school, and I have two feline friends who keep me company between work, church, and socializing. I love this Church and believe ever more in her relevance and mission to an increasingly secular and broken world, and it would be my honor to serve on the Executive Board, if it be God’s will.

Ellen Eby
Holy Comforter, Angleton

  • As a dedicated and faithful servant of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Angleton, I have been a long-standing member and currently serve on the vestry. I bring proven leadership in community-building and innovative initiatives, having helped found and organize the Peach Street Farmers Market—now thriving in its 8th year, which I continue to manage.  My experience on the diocesan level includes one successful term on the Executive Board. Inspired by Christ’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves, I am eager to serve again—bringing experience, integrity, and a heart for service. I am committed to strengthening our diocesan family, fostering unity, and ensuring every voice is heard, so that together we may reflect Christ’s light in Angleton and beyond.

Cary McDonald
Saint Andrew’s, Pearland

  • I am passionate about serving God’s people. For 18 years at St. Andrew’s (Pearland), I’ve served three Vestry terms, including Junior and Senior Warden, and I currently serve as Secretary and past President of our Daughters of the King chapter.  I’ve worked with our youth on multiple service trips across the country, chaired our parish Golf Tournament for ten years to fund community outreach, and founded the "Soup Sisters and Brothers in Christ," a ministry that provides meals to parishioners in times of need. I’ve also served as a Diocesan Delegate and helped host diocesan DOK events at Camp Allen.  Professionally, I bring over 40 years of experience in Financial Services, including roles in compliance, operations, and supporting financial planners. I would be honored to serve on the Executive Board of the Diocese of Texas.

Bill Eldridge
St. Paul’s, Navasota

  • As with many Episcopalians, I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith. Over 40 years ago, I was received into the Episcopal Church. During this time, I attended large churches, medium sized churches and small churches in multiple Diocese. For the past 20 plus year, I have attended St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Navasota, Texas.  Small churches are the foundation on which this diocese was built. As a result, members of small churches should be part of the Diocesan Boards, Committees and Councils. This is why I feel called to stand for election to the Executive Board. I have had an opportunity to serve on vestries of various sizes of churches, but feel I have a distinct view of the unique issues challenging small churches today. 

Marilynn Patterson
St. Dunstan's, Houston

  • I am honored to have been nominated. A lifelong Episcopalian and 39-year member of St. Dunstan’s, I am completing my current term on the Vestry and look forward to continuing to serve the Church in meaningful and faithful ways. I wish to serve as an expression of gratitude for the many blessings this parish has brought to my life and to support its continued growth in faith, fellowship, and community. St. Dunstan’s has long been my spiritual home, shaping my life as a Christian, a parent, and now a grandparent, and I feel called to offer my time and experience in service to the parish that has given so much to me.  My service at St. Dunstan’s has included two terms on the Vestry, one as Senior Warden, directing the Altar Guild, facilitating adult formation for more than twenty years, leading nine adult mission trips to Mexico, assisting with stewardship teams for the past decade, co-chairing our outreach fundraising efforts, and volunteering with Hope Center Houston. Each of these ministries has deepened my understanding of our parish’s mission and strengthened my commitment to supporting others in their walk of faith. Professionally, I worked for many years as a senior account manager before owning and operating a jewelry business. These roles developed skills in communication, organization, and leadership that continue to serve me well. I remain joyfully involved in the daily lives of my two grandchildren, and I believe both my personal and professional experiences have prepared me well to serve faithfully in this new role.

Walter Foyt
Holy Comforter, Spring

  • I feel genuinely called to this role for a couple of reasons.  First, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the vestry at Holy Comforter, including two years as Senior Warden. During that time, I helped lead the search for a new priest—a process that ultimately brought Fr. John Soard to us in the fall of 2022. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the vital role the Diocese of Texas plays in supporting its congregations. The guidance and resources we received were invaluable, and I feel a strong desire to give back by serving on the Board.  Additionally, I believe my professional background in accounting and finance equips me well to contribute meaningfully, especially in areas related to budgeting and financial oversight. I would be honored to offer my skills in service of the Diocese and its mission.  Thank you for considering my interest.

Paul Rycroft
Christ Church Cathedral, Houston

  • In the interest of brevity: my professional qualifications:  C.P.A Canada & U.S.A. My biography is limited to our (my wife, Nora & I) 8 years in Houston as members of CCC. We arrived as Harvey left.  Sadly, Harvey was horrific for many but for others including us, it was auspicious as we attended the 1st service post Harvey CCC.  That night we answered the Call for volunteers at the Beacon that introduced us to so many parishioners.  Following Harvey, we finalized the purchase of our home in the Montrose neighborhood attracted by its diversity &.IT WAS HIGH & DRY.   We joined the Lay Liturgical Ministries, The Usher Corps, Kids Hope mentoring and I was an SGC “in person “instructor.  I also became   an LEV, we hosted a Posada  and joined a Pilgrimage to  The Holy Land with 20 parishioners & an SMU M.Div class  .Our mentoring introduced us to an Honduran family (2 parents & 3 kids)   with whom we have been very involved, during the  full 8 years ,with their acculturation , education , financial & legal issues. There are now 6 in the family. We became the 2 youngests’godparents when the family joined CCC.  We pray that our Lord & Savior will keep the bureaucratic balls in the air until the immigration environment changes & they are accepted to our country as so many millions have been in the past. Finally, except what has slipped my mind, we were Co-chairs of the 2024 EMC and finally # 2, I was S Claus for Christmas @ CCC for our Kids Hope families on Saturday Dec 6 .