I serve as the eighth rector of St. Mark’s in Richmond, Texas. I was born and raised in Spring, where my faith journey began in high school through a local Episcopal church’s youth group. Before being ordained as a priest, I served the church through various ministries, gaining a breadth of experience in the ministry and mission of the church—including ministries in children, youth, young adults, music, camp, liturgy, and local and international missions. I am passionate about forming relationships with individuals in the communities where I live and work to create long-lasting connections, empowering the laity to represent Christ in the world through their gifts, and loving others as Christ loved us. Currently, I serve the broader church as a campsite director for Camp Allen Summer Camp, as the Liturgist for the Diocese of Texas for Diocesan Council, Clergy Conference, and Deacon Ordination, and on the Alumni Association Executive Committee for Virginia Theological Seminary.

Having served within the Diocese for nearly 9 years as rector of two congregations and as a curate, discerning my call within the diocese following an 8-year career as a chemistry professor, I would be honored to apply my growing experience, administrative skills, and attention to detail as a clergy member of the Executive Board. I would value the opportunity to represent you and to broaden my own understanding of the larger role and ministry of the diocese with this important and needful work. I appreciate your vote for the Executive Board.

Over the last fifteen years of ordained ministry, I have been blessed to serve a variety of sized churches both in and outside of major metropolitan areas. In my former diocese I served on the Executive Council, Commission on Ministry, and as a convocation chair. My wide range of experience has fostered in me administrative and strategic planning skills that I would be honored to contribute to the work of the Executive Board in our diocese, if elected. I believe my experience in growing parishes outside of the main EDOT metro areas would be an asset as the Executive Board conducts its work, so that there is good and balanced representation from across the diverse regions of our diocese. We are truly blessed to be a part of The Diocese of Texas and I would be delighted to serve and contribute to a vision of Christian life and discipleship that pushes our members to engage in the wider life of our diocesan family.

I am humbled to have been nominated as a clergy representative to the Executive Board of the Diocese of Texas. Ordained in 2011, I was in parish ministry until 2023 when I became Campus Missioner at Texas A & M. Previous service includes the Cathedral Chapter in the Diocese of Albany, where I also taught in the Deacon’s School; and in EDOT, on the Episcopal Foundation of Texas and the Strategic Mission Grant committee. I have deep desire and passion to see our diocese continue to be a leader in the larger church while still helping our local congregations continue to carry out the great commission. I believe that God has strategically placed our diocese to be innovators in the future work of the church while we continue to steward the gifts that have been entrusted to us from the past. I think I have gifts that could benefit the diocese continue in that remarkable work and would be honored to do so if elected.   

I would be pleased to serve on the Executive Board: listening, learning, offering what insights I have, and doing the work needed for the good of the people. With 19 years of ordained ministry in the Diocese of Texas, serving congregations as associate rector, rector, and now vicar of Lord of the Streets, I have a good understanding of the mission and ministry of our church, both in supporting congregations and in reaching out to our communities in ways other than traditional congregational ministry. I’m currently chairing the diocesan commission on recovery, and I previously served on the board of Community of the Streets, led diocesan youth retreats, been a session director at Camp Allen, and have taught a ministry class at Iona. I believe in the unity of our church, striving together for the mission of Jesus and the healing he brings us. My approach in working with others is to listen, give my input when needed, and support the decisions made. 

The entirety of my ordained career has been in EDOT, and it's been inspiring to be a part of a diocese so committed to sharing the Gospel in word and deed outside of the walls of the church. As the minister to young adults at our Cathedral, I’ve had the opportunity to nurture a community of people with varying degrees of connection to (and comfort with) the institutional church who share a spiritual hunger for, intellectual curiosity about, and desire for connection with God. Our church has much to offer millennials, Gen-Z, and the generations after them, and I see the work of the Executive Board - stewarding the missional, formational, and outreach ministries of the church - as key to reaching and engaging these generations. As a member of the Executive Board, I look forward to bringing my experience in young adult ministry to bear on the good work the Board is doing to share the Good News of Jesus in creative and impactful ways.

I have been a priest for 15 years.  I have worked in multi-cultural ministry in several churches in the Diocese.  Currently, I am the rector of Holy Trinity in Port Neches.  Having worked as an interim in several very different congregations, I have seen how working in partnership with the Diocese can really benefit the local parishes. I would like to be involved in visioning what the Diocese can do, especially for smaller churches.

I have a passion for outreach, lay ministry, and connecting people with opportunities to serve in the community and I believe I can bring useful gifts and experience to the Executive Board. I am the Executive Director and a Co-Founder of Mosaic in Action (MiA), a non-profit which repairs homes after disasters and works to increase the weather resiliency of homes in our coastal communities. I have 26 years’ experience as a lay leader at St. Andrew’s Pearland, most recently as the Associate and Community Pastor. While serving at St. Andrew’s, I attended Wesley Seminary at Indiana Weslyan University and received a Master’s of Arts in Ministerial Leadership. I have served previously on the Executive Board, served on a Diocesan Search Committee, have been a speaker at Council breakout sessions and Diocesan training events, and have assisted with the development of training materials, including the Church’s Discovery Series.

A retired U.S. Army veteran and former Sheriff’s Officer, and Deputy to the House of Deputies I bring a wealth of experience to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. At St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Salado, I serve as Junior Warden and I regularly read the Gospel in Spanish during Sunday Eucharist, which has significantly increased our Hispanic membership. Recognizing the tremendous potential in Hispanic outreach, I have been instrumental in organizing our annual bilingual Posada, a traditional Advent celebration that attracts hundreds of participants from Central Texas and has led to notable congregational growth. My background in military service, law enforcement, and private business equips me with unique skills to support and expand the church’s mission. I am committed to fostering inclusivity and growth within our diocese, particularly through bilingual outreach initiatives

I came into the Episcopal church from another faith tradition and became a member of St. James in Taylor, TX 14 years ago. I attended the IONA School for Ministry on the three year Lay Theological Track and completed that in June 2022 I currently serve at St. James as a Verger, Lay Preacher, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Bishop Committee member, Acolyte, and previously served as Bishop’s Warden, I am a member of the Vergers Guild. This summer, I will be Facilities Manager at St. David’s in downtown Austin for eight years. Being a Lay minister at St. James and on staff at St. David’s. I have an understanding of the workings of, and the complexities that a small church and a large church both have.

I have been active at St. Stephen’s in Beaumont since I was received into the Episcopal Church almost forty years ago. I have served several positions at St. Stephen’s including senior warden and delegate to council many times. I was mentor for Education for Ministry 14 years which deepened my faith and introduced me to people in the greater Church. I am able and willing to work with people of different backgrounds on the Executive Board for the benefit of the Diocese of Texas. Thank you for considering my nomination.

Born into the Tamil Brahmin Iyer community, I began my faith journey with Christ at the age of three after losing my father; the kindness and joy I found among Christians in India led me to accept Christ as God, culminating in my baptism as a teenager in Hyderabad. I hold bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Accounting, a master's in International Studies, and I am a Certified Public Accountant. My professional experience includes working at Deloitte and in the oil and gas industry, specializing in internal audit, forecasting, budgeting, project management, accounting, audits, and contract negotiations. I founded a consulting company working with early-stage life science companies, contributing to the largest IPO in this space in 2019, and currently serve as CFO and COO of a clinical-stage oncology company leading strategic initiatives. My education, experience, gifts, faith journey, belief in the mission of the Episcopal Church, and willingness to serve the Lord through the Diocese make me well-suited to serve on the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas.

I grew up in the Episcopal church as the son of an Episcopal priest. I served in leadership roles in one of the largest Episcopal youth groups in the Diocese of Texas when I was in high school and served as a counselor at Camp Allen during that same time. As an adult, I have been a member of Good Shepherd in Austin since 2006; since then, I have served as a youth Sunday School teacher, served on the Vestry for three years—including one year as Junior Warden and one year as Senior Warden—and I currently lead the church usher program. Professionally, I work as a government affairs consultant and have represented the Episcopal Health Foundation in the past on health care matters. I am married to Lesley Pitts and have three children.

I would be honored to serve on the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Texas, helping continue our shared work of following Jesus and loving our communities. I currently serve on the Council of Advice for Episcopal Relief & Development, the leadership team of the Health & Justice Advocacy Network in the Diocese of Texas, and previously served on the Board of Trustees for Voorhees University (an Episcopal-affiliated HBCU), which has given me insight into the many ways that Episcopal institutions are facing a changing world. I believe my experience would allow me to offer faithful, wise counsel to our Bishop. 

I currently serve in Austin as the Upper School Chaplain at St. Andrew's Episcopal School and as Assisting Clergy at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, positions I have held for nine and six years, respectively. Previously, I served at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix, AZ, as the Canon for Formation, and at Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, VA, as the Associate for Students & Outreach. Within the Diocese of Texas, I have supported the Curate Cohort Year 1 programming since 2019, addressing priestly authority and relationships. I am passionate about discerning the call of the Holy Spirit with those seeking to grow more into Christ, thereby building up the Body of Christ in love. Serving in Episcopal education, urban settings, multicultural ministries, and working alongside disciples of all ages has led me to a deeply humbling understanding of the Church’s abundant harvest, and I remain committed to clergy formation for a missional church as I seek election to the Standing Committee.

I have been especially blessed in my spiritual journey by the ministries of dedicated standing committees that have supported postulants and ordinands with grace and dignity. Inspired by these experiences, I have had the privilege of mentoring a curate and a bi-vocational priest, serving on the Foundations and Strategic Mission Grants Boards, and leading pilgrimage trips for both lay and clergy. I would be grateful for the opportunity to serve the diocese in these and other capacities. Beyond my experience, I believe I can contribute my gifts of honesty, integrity, curiosity, creativity, discernment, and the ability to say "No" with both dignity and conviction to the Standing Committee. It would be an honor to serve on the Standing Committee and continue supporting our diocese's mission.

I’m a lawyer and member of St. Mark’s, Beaumont.  In the past, I’ve served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden of both St. George’s, Port Arthur, and St. Mark’s, and am currently the Chancellor at St. Mark’s.  Through the years I’ve been a delegate to many Councils, both from St. George’s, years ago, and thereafter, St. Mark’s.  I’m familiar with the structure and workings of the Diocese and have also been involved in real property transactions with both St. George’s and St. Mark’s and the Diocese.  I think that my past experience with the Diocese and interaction with many priests, curates and deacons, especially as a lay eucharistic minister and friend, gives me a perspective which would qualify me for the Standing Committee.  I also believe that geographical diversity is important for the committees of the Diocese. If selected as a nominee, and ultimately elected by Council, I will gladly serve.

I was raised in the Baptist Church, but I was confirmed at St. David’s Episcopal Church Austin in 1982, while attending the University of Texas. I have served at various churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas as a Vestry member, Bishop’s Committee member, Treasurer, Stewardship Chairman, Council Delegate and EYC Sponsor. In 2022 I was elected to the Executive Board of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. I am a CPA, licensed in the State of Texas and I have 40 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Management, Banking, and Risk Management. I currently serve as the Chief Financial Officer of the Port of Harlingen Authority. I am married to the Rev. Kendrah McDonald, the Associate Rector at All Saints’ Episcopal Church Austin; I have four children and four grandchildren.

As a prior Trustee of the Church Corporation, I have been able to bring my 35 years’ management experience working with fiduciary matters in trust banking and a higher education foundation, to benefit managing the assets of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. I would be honored to serve again, if elected. At the Parish level, I have been active as a lay Eucharistic minister, Vestry member, Council delegate and endowment committee member of St. Andrews. My family has been active in churches both in the Diocese of West Texas and the Diocese of Texas, where I joined the Church in Beaumont as a youngster. My wife of 35 years, Nancy, works as a Development Director at Voices for Children (C.A.S.A. of the Brazos Valley). She and I have three adult children and two grandchildren.

I have a BA from the University of the South, a JD from the University of Texas School of Law, and an MDiv from Seminary of the Southwest. Long before seminary, I practiced law, then spent years as an administrator and teacher in Good Shepherd Episcopal School, Austin. After ordination in 2007, I served as curate and locum tenens at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, College Station, and rector of Calvary Episcopal Church, Bastrop, before joining the diocesan staff as Canon for Wellness and Care from 2018 until late 2024. I have served on the boards of El Buen Samaritano and the Episcopal Health Foundation, was elected to the diocesan Executive Board (twice) and, and to the Disciplinary Board, where I served as president. I am now retired and living with my husband in the country, reengaging with art, poetry, and the earth, and curious about God’s call in this new season. 

You asked for a note stating my qualifications for such an appointment: 1) I am a life-long Episcopalian and member of Trinity Church, having served on the vestry, including as senior warden on several occasions and on the school board of Trinity Episcopal school for several terms.  In addition, I have been elected to the school board of GISD for several terms (also serving as President of that board) and currently serve on the Board of Regents of Galveston  College.  I have had a 45 year career as an attorney in Galveston, and for the past 20 years have served as one of the general counsel to the Moody Foundation, a $2.2 Billion dollar foundation which I am sure faces many of the same issues the Church Corporation has. 2) I am willing to present myself for election to the position. If you need any additional information let me know.

My name is Jay Wilson and I am a lifelong Episcopalian, having been baptized in the faith as a child and attending many Episcopal churches throughout my life. I believe that I should serve as a witness to others by serving my church and my community in whatever capacity is needed. I sang in the church choir, served as a lector, an usher, and an acolyte. More recently, I served as a delegate to the diocesan council, as well as the Treasurer at Saint Paul’s Episcopal church in Orange, Texas. While there, I also served on the stewardship committee. Currently I serve as  the Bishop’s Warden on the Bishop’s Committee at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Silsbee, Texas. I am a faithful student of the Bible and work with the congregation at St. John’s to develop outreach opportunities to raise the visibility of our church while witnessing to our community. I appreciate your consideration of my nomination.

I am a lifelong Episcopalian with experience on Vestries in three parishes, as a Diocesan delegate, and in many roles in my local parishes. I was raised in the Diocese of Texas and I’m thrilled that my Fort Worth-area congregation’s return there offers this nomination opportunity to serve Sewanee: The University of the South. I enjoyed a 30-year career in international education at Texas A&M and the University of North Texas, specifically as a Director of Study Abroad programs and Fulbright Program Advisor, and I served across campus on a variety of committees. My degrees in English Language and Literature give me a great appreciation for Sewanee’s robust curriculum offerings. It would be an honor and a blessing to serve the Diocese and Sewanee as a Trustee. 

Serving as a trustee will allow me to participate in the continued growth and success of my alma mater. With over 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in Episcopal schools, I understand the unique role these institutions play in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit of their students. As Associate Head of School at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, I work closely with faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni, parents, and community members, and have served on the Community Access and Belonging Committee. Active in All Saints parish as a lay reader and chalice bearer, I also co-chair the 125th anniversary committee and serve on the Columbarium Committee. The communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills I use daily will transfer to the duties and responsibilities needed to be a successful trustee at Sewanee.