The Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer Nominating Advisory Committee has issued the following report:

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) Nominating Advisory Committee conducted its first in-person meeting in November, following a series of conference calls and video conferences. The COO Nominating Advisory Committee stressed that its work is ongoing, intensive and productive.

Chairperson Bishop Greg Rickel explained that the Advisory Committee wished to provide an update to the Church on the activities and progress.  “We’re doing our work, assessing candidates, discussing next steps and looking forward to making recommendations for filling this important position,” he said.

Rickel also praised the group for their “collaboration and ability to work together.”

The key, the members said, is that the COO position has been re-focused, re-defined and re-tuned.  (Details available here)

Member the Rev. Lang Lowry noted the “good response” of candidates with “high qualifications.”

Applications are welcome until the next COO is appointed.

Following review, the Advisory Committee will submit two or more names to the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies. The position is expected to be filled in early 2017.

The COO position is open to clergy and laity. “The need,” noted member Diane Pollard, “is to be qualified for the position.”

The Advisory Committee asked for continued prayers.

Further information

The COO Nominating Advisory Committee members and their dioceses are: Bishop Gregory H. Rickel (Olympia), chair of the committee; the Rev. Canon Elizabeth Easton (Nebraska); Dr. Katy George (New Jersey); the Rev. Lang Lowrey (Atlanta); Diane B. Pollard (New York); Steve Smith (Vermont); and Dr. Fredrica Harris Thompsett (Massachusetts).

The Chief Operating Officer is based in New York City and is a full-time position. The Chief Operating Officer oversees a broad portfolio of responsibilities including the day-to-day operation and management of Human Resources, Information Technology,

Buildings and Facilities, and real estate acquisitions. He/she will serve as a senior member of the Presiding Bishop’s leadership team.

As noted in Title I, Canon 1.4.2: (f) Upon joint nomination by the Chair (Presiding Bishop) and the Vice-Chair (President of the House of Deputies), the (Executive) Council shall appoint a Chief Operating Officer who shall serve at the pleasure of, and report and be accountable to, the Chair (Presiding Bishop).

Information about the position, details for applying and process overview are available here. 

To apply, please provide your résumé and a cover letter that includes at least three professional references. Materials should be submitted by email to EC-COO@ies-consulting.org. For more information, contact Dr. George Conway, President, IES Consulting, gconway@ies-consulting.org.

The Episcopal Church values diversity of culture and thought and seeks talented, qualified employees regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, age, gender identity and expression, or any other protected classification under Federal, State or Municipal law as well as the Canons of the Episcopal Church and resolutions of the Episcopal Church General Convention.  We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.