Aug. 24, 2020
Dear Friends,
I write to announce some important changes in the diocesan staff.
In 2018, as a response to our diocesan mission strategy, we undertook a reorganization of the diocesan staff in ways that were designed to help us accompany our congregations effectively, including the elimination of several positions and the creation of new positions for three regional canons, the canon for immigration and multicultural ministries, and the missioner for networking and formation. This year, we have undertaken an assessment of our Treasurer's Office to review our staffing and systems in order to serve our diocese well.
The position of chief business officer is being eliminated. Gerry Sullivan, who has served our diocese in that role since 2014, is leaving the diocesan staff. During this time, Gerry has overseen a range of business functions including finance, property, information technology, human resources and archives. As an assistant treasurer of the diocese, he has supported diocesan and cathedral governance bodies, as well as supporting leaders in many congregations. The assessment revealed, however, that this position is simply too broad, especially in our diocese which is one of the five largest in The Episcopal Church. Given the restrictions of the pandemic, a proper in-person farewell for Gerry is impossible; however, I know you join me in wishing him well.
We also recently said goodbye to Aja Jackson, who served as an accountant in our Treasurer's Office since November 2019. We wish Aja all the best in her future endeavors.
As part of our review of business functions, we also made the decision to move to a managed IT service as a result of the growth in our needs as we utilize technology more and more to communicate and gather virtually. Managed IT services, provided by RSM, will allow for round-the-clock support and response, training of staff, expertise in hardware procurement and software advances and, ultimately, movement from our server to a cloud-based system. In late June, we said farewell to Jamie Reamer who had served as IT manager for our diocese since 2003. We extend our deep gratitude to Jamie for his long and devoted service.
A full search for the right person to serve in the new position of chief financial officer will be undertaken in the fall. Meanwhile, over the next several months we will be implementing new systems, software and staffing responsibilities in our Treasurer's Office. During this period, we will be contracting with Blum Shapiro to provide us with an interim CFO and other resources during this time of transition. We will continue to be served well by our controller, Tom Hamel, our accountant, Marilyn Govoni, and our payroll and benefits manager, Nathaniel Fasman. Trish Superville, who served as our accountant for 15 years, has returned on a short-term basis to assist with processing duties. Our canon to the ordinary, the Rev. Canon Bill Parnell, will be overseeing the transition. Feel free to contact him for assistance.
At this time I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Ed Cardoza as missioner for property stewardship, effective Sept. 8. Ed will serve half-time in this position even as he continues to be rector of St. Mark’s Church in Foxborough. Ed is co-founder of Still Harbor where he serves as chaplain and spiritual director. Ed has been a professional fundraiser; founding board member of over a half-dozen global health organizations and community-based nonprofits; and consultant to dozens of institutions preserving sacred space, reimagining facilities and developing their land holdings. Examples include restoration of a condemned convent as a center for discernment and action for Still Harbor; renovation of the rectory at the former St. Luke’s and St. Margaret’s in Allston, now home to an intentional community of CRECHE; and restoration of a condemned parish hall in East Oxford, England, now an active community center. Ed will work closely with the diocesan Real Estate Advisory Committee, Property Development Committee and Diocesan Loan Committee. We are blessed with many property resources and called to use them in creative ways that strengthen Christian community and the neighborhoods in which we are present. Ed brings the knowledge, experience and passion that we need. After Sept. 8, Ed can be reached at ecardoza@diomass.org.
I am also pleased to announce that the Rev. H. Mark Smith, our missioner for youth ministry, has taken on additional responsibilities for oversight of young adult ministries. Bearing the new title of missioner for youth and young adult ministries, Mark is charged with encouraging and challenging the church to embrace creative and robust ministry for and with youth and young adults, both in our worshiping communities and in the life of the diocese as a whole. Along with ongoing responsibility for the Diocesan Youth Council and other activities directed toward youth, Mark will support the Young Adult Advisory Committee and Young Adult Network and encourage collaboration between those groups, college chaplaincies and the Life Together program. In all this work, he will strive intentionally with others to dismantle racism within the church, working in ways that challenge white supremacy culture, and to recruit, raise up and support leaders and communities of color.
Each of these changes is designed to help us serve more effectively and more creatively, in service to the mission of Christ and the church in our time and place.
Faithfully, in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates