The Rev. Deacon Geoffrey T. Smith has been named the Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer, a member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff. The appointment was made by the Episcopal Church Executive Council following the joint nomination by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.

Smith boasts a strong administrative and risk management background, and currently serves as a deacon in the Diocese of New Hampshire.

“We are working to deepen our culture as a staff to really live out the loving, liberating and life-giving way of Jesus,” Presiding Bishop Curry said. “Geof is a natural fit for where we are on this journey. He combines in his person highly skilled managerial competency and the experience of a seasoned corporate executive, with a genuinely Christ-centered spirit and the heart of a servant.”

“Geof’s extensive experience in risk management and corporate leadership is matched by his deacon’s heart,” President Jennings said. “He brings us not only critical expertise for this time of change, but also an earnest desire to make Christ known among the people with whom he works. I am delighted to welcome him to the Church Center.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining in the work of the Episcopal Church Center,” Smith said.  “As a deacon, part of my ordination charge is to ‘assist the bishop in the ministration of God’s Word,’ and I can think of no more exciting opportunity to do just that than in supporting Presiding Bishop Curry’s vision and ministry amongst us.”   

The Chief Operating Officer is based at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City and is a full-time position. As Chief Operating Officer, Smith will oversee 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 will serve as a senior member of the Presiding Bishop’s leadership team.

Smith begins his new position on January 16, 2017 and as of January 9 will be available at The Rev. Deacon Geoffrey T. Smith.

Meet the Rev. Deacon Geoffrey Smith

Most recently, Smith was the Director of Risk Management for C&S Wholesale Grocers in Keene, NH. Among his previous experience was: Vice-President of Risk Management for Iron Mountain Incorporated in Boston, MA; Senior Vice President of Risk Management for TD Banknorth Insurance Agency in Portland, ME; Director of Banking and Risk Management for Brunswick Corporation, Lake Forest, IL.

In the Episcopal Church, he currently is a Deacon in the Diocese of New Hampshire and serves as a safe church training facilitator, co-convener of the New England Deacon’s Network, and a member of the Our Kids Commission and Emergency Preparedness Committee.  In the Diocese of Massachusetts, he was the Archdeacon and also served as a deacon in two historic churches, program chair for the New England Deacon’s Network. As a deacon in the Diocese of Maine, he was a member of Diocesan Council, Diocesan Review Committee, and was a Safe Church Training Coordinator. In the Diocese of Chicago, he was a deacon at the cathedral, a board member of Cathedral Shelter, and was a Safe Church Trainer.

He holds a Masters of Business Administration in Finance from DePaul University in Chicago IL and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Connecticut.

COO Nominating Advisory Committee

Smith was selected from an initial field of 60 candidates.  

The COO Nominating Advisory Committee served as a review and recommendation team for the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies. The COO Nominating Advisory Committee was assisted by search consultant Dr. George Conway.

“Smith’s background in the insurance industry and business, which included several international assignments, complimented his substantial experience in risk management for major companies,” Conway said.

The COO Nominating Advisory Committee members and their dioceses were: 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).

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).