Diocesan
Elections
Diocesan Convention Elections
Questions? Contact Beth Gould, Executive Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, at bgould@episcopalswfl.org.
Candidates for office may nominate themselves. Lay nominees must be at least 16 years of age and their name must be duly enrolled in the register of their congregation, they must be regular in attendance at divine services and make stated contributions of record to the general support of the congregation. (Canon VII, 3 a.).
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A: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Presbyter to a three-year term.
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B: Standing Committee, Lay: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) Lay Electors to a three-year term.
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C: Diocesan Council At Large, Lay: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) Lay Electors to a two-year term.
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D: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) Clergy Persons to a three-year term.
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E: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) Lay Persons to a three-year term.
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F: University of the South Trustees, Presbyter: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Presbyter to a 3-year term. (Term to run from 7/1/26 to 6/30/2029.)
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G: University of the South Trustees, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Lay Person to a 3-year term. (Term to run from 7/1/26 to 6/30/2029.)
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H: 2027 General Convention, Clergy: Elect six (6): 4 dep & 2 alt. Elect six (6) Clergy to a 3-year term.
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I: 2027 General Convention: Lay: Elect six (6): 4 dep. & 2 alt. Elect six 6 Lay Persons to a 3-year term.
About the Positions
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Standing Committee: The Standing Committee is a council consisting of five
Presbyters and four Lay Electors who advise the bishop. In certain
circumstances, the Standing Committee becomes the ecclesiastical authority of
the Diocese of Southwestern Florida in the absence of the bishop. The Standing
Committee is involved in several matters, including church indebtedness and
ordination. Standing Committee members serve three-year terms and may not
serve more than two consecutive terms. They meet monthly on Tuesday
mornings, or as needed.
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Diocesan Council: The Diocesan Council is the board of directors for the corporation of the diocese and serves as an "interim body” between conventions. It is responsible for the oversight of the work of the diocese, including finance, congregational development, property issues, diocesan policy, DaySpring, and other matters concerning the fabric of the diocesan community. Diocesan Council consists of one Lay and one Presbyter elected by each deanery, and one Presbyter and two Lay Electors elected at convention for a total of 15 members. Members serve two-year terms, no more than three consecutive terms. Council usually meets on the third Saturday of the month at DaySpring, about six times a year.
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Disciplinary Board: The Disciplinary Board consists of nine persons (five clergy and
four lay) who meet to consider matters of ecclesiastical discipline of a bishop, priest or deacon, governed by Title IV of the Canons for the Government of the Episcopal
Church. Terms are three years with no more than two consecutive terms. The Board meets on an as-needed basis.
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University of the South (Sewanee) Trustees: The University of the South’s Board of
Trustees is composed of individuals from each of the 27 constituent dioceses of the
Episcopal Church. Individuals from associated alumni, faculties, staff, the student
bodies, as well as trustees at large are also elected as representatives. The Board of
Trustees elects and appoints a Board of Regents, a Chancellor, a Vice Chancellor, and
a Chaplain to serve the University and governs matters related to the Charter, the
Constitution, and the University Domain. The Bishop of Southwest Florida is a Trustee; additionally, the Diocese elects one Presbyter and two lay persons to serve on the Board. Terms, which begin July 1 in the year following election, are three years with no more than two terms. Trustees meet once per year.
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General Convention Deputies: General Convention Deputies (four clergy and four lay) and alternates (two clergy and two lay) are elected by Diocesan Convention to serve three-year terms. General Convention deputies, along with bishops, participate in the governance and discernment of the Episcopal Church through activities before, during, and after the General Convention for which they are elected.
56th Annual Diocesan Convention Election Results
Questions? Contact Beth Gould, Administrative Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, at bgould@episcopalswfl.org.
The following are election results by the 56th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida Virtual Business Meeting on December 5, 2024.
Watch the Convention Business Meeting Here
Delegates at the convention voted online via the VPoll voting application. Please see the election results below:
ELECTION A BALLOT: Standing Committee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term.
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Mrs. Michelle Thomas
ELECTION B BALLOT: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) presbyters to a (3) three-year term
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The Rev. Joseph Hudson
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The Rev. Sandra Rogers
ELECTION C BALLOT: Diocesan Council, Presbyter: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Presbyter to a two-year term.
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The Rev. Eddie Gibbons
ELECTION D BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Lay person to a 3-year term
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Mr. Edwin Ortiz
ELECTION E BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) clergy to a 3-year term.
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The Rev. Janet Tunnell
The convention also affirmed Diocesan Council elections, held in September. These are:
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Clearwater Deanery – Ms. Connie Mehr
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Ft. Myers Deanery – Ms. Paula Paquette
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Manasota Deanery – The Rev. Joyce Holmes, St. Wilfred's
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Naples Deanery – Mr. Tom Connolly
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St. Petersburg Deanery – Mr. Ron Clayton, and The Rev. Rob Crow, St Augustine's
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Tampa Deanery – The Rev. Dale Van Wormer, St. John's
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Venice Deanery – The Rev. Andrea Rose Hayden, St Nathaniel's
The members of the 56th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments to the Commission on Ministry.
Lay: Appoint 1 Lay (to the remainder of an unexpired first term)
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Mrs. Christina J. Vasquez, Co-Chair
Presbyter: Appoint 4 Presbyters (three-year terms/No more than two consecutive terms)
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The Rev. Carla B. McCook, Co-Chair (first term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Whitney A. Burton (second term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Christian M. Wood (second term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Jonathan W. Evans (first term, 2024-2027
The members of the 56th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments of the Canonical Deans.
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(Fort Myers)............The Very Rev. A. Charles Cannon [2024-2025 second term]
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(Clearwater).............The Very Rev. Daniel J. Lemley [2024-2025 first term]
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(Manasota)...............The Very Rev. David J. Marshall [2024-2025 first term]
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(Naples)....................The Very Rev. Jessica H. Babcock [2024-2025 first term]
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(St. Petersburg)........The Very Rev. Ethan J. Cole [2024-2025 second term]
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(Tampa).................... The Very Rev. Robert C. Douglas [2024-2025 third term]
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(Venice)......................The Very Rev. Cesar Olivero [2024-2025 second term]
After the convention, the newly formed Standing Committee elected new officers. These officers are:
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President: The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley
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Vice President: The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw
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Secretary: The Hon. Jack Day
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Liaison to the C.O.M.: The Rev. Joe Hudson
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Standing Committee Members:
Presbyters:
The Rev. Joe Hudson [2027 - 1st term]
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock [2026 -1st term]
The Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw [2026- 2nd term]
The Rev Sandra Rogers [2027-1st Term]
The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley [2025 – 2nd term]
Lay Members:
Mrs. Michelle Thomas [2027- 1st Term]
Ms. Rachel Schnabel [2026 -1st term]
Ms. Jacqueline Smith [2025 - 2nd term]
The Hon. Jack Day [2025 - 1st term]
55th Annual Diocesan Convention Election Results
Questions? Contact Beth Gould, Administrative Assistant to the Canon to the Ordinary, at bgould@episcopalswfl.org.
The following are election results by the 55th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, meeting at the Charlotte Harbor Events and Convention Center on October 7, 2023.
Watch the Convention Business Meeting Here
Delegates at the convention voted in person via the VPoll voting application. Please see the election results below:
ELECTION A BALLOT: Standing Committee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term.
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Ms. Rachel Schnabel
ELECTION B BALLOT: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) presbyters to a (3) three-year term
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The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock
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The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw
ELECTION C BALLOT: Diocesan Council, At large, Lay: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) lay persons to a (2) two-year term.
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Mr. Richard Helms
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Ms. Marla Ryder
ELECTION D BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Lay person to a 3-year term
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Mr. Justin Miller
ELECTION E BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) clergy to a 3-year term.
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The Rev. Michael Alford
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The Rev. Marcella Drawdy
ELECTION F BALLOT: University of the South Trustee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a three-year term, which begins 7/1/2024 and ends 6/30/2027
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Jeffery Patenaude
The convention also affirmed Diocesan Council elections, held in September. These are:
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Clearwater Deanery – The Rev. Peter Lane, St. Alfred’s, Clearwater – 3rd Term
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Ft. Myers Deanery – The Rev. Bill Van Oss, St. Michael & All Angels, Sanibel – 3rd Term
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Manasota Deanery – Ms. MaryPage Hill, Church of the Redeemer, Sarasota – 2nd Term
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Naples Deanery – The Rev. Jonathan Evans, St. Monica’s, Naples – 2nd Term
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St. Petersburg Deanery –The Rev. Anne Hartley, St. Thomas’, St. Pete– 1st Term
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Tampa Deanery – Ms. Katie Arp, St. John the Divine, Sun City – 2nd Term
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Tampa Deanery – The Rev. Dale Van Wormer, St John’s, Tampa- unexpired - 2nd Term
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Venice Deanery – Mr. Randy Arsenault, Good Shepherd, Punta Gorda – 2nd Term
The members of the 55th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments to the Commission on Ministry.
Lay: Appoint 2 Lay (three-year terms/No more than two consecutive terms)
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Ning Bonoan
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James Corn
Deacon: Appoint 2 Deacon (three-year terms/No more than two consecutive terms)
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The Venerable Michael Kitt
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The Rev. Mary Alice Lopez
The members of the 55th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments of the Canonical Deans.
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(Fort Myers) ....................................... The Very Rev. A. Charles Cannon [2023-2026]
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(Clearwater)....................................... The Very Rev. Raynald S. Bonoan [2021-2024]
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(Manasota)......................................... The Very Rev. Matthew Grunfeld [2023-2026]
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(Naples)............................................. The Very Rev. Edward C. Gleason [2021-2024]
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(St. Petersburg)................................... The Very Rev. Alexander Andujar [2022-2025]
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(Tampa) .............................................. The Very Rev. Robert C. Douglas [2022-2025]
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(Venice)..................................................... The Very Rev. Cesar Olivero [2023-2026]
After the convention, the newly formed Standing Committee elected new officers. These officers are:
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President: The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley
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Vice President: The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw
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Secretary: The Hon. Jack Day
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Liaison to the C.O.M.: Mr. Duane Hollier
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Members:
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Presbyters:
The Rev. A. Charles Cannon, III [2024 - 2nd term]
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock [2026 -1st term]
The Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw [2023- 2nd term]
The Rev. James C. Teets [2024 - 2nd term]
The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley [2025 – 2nd term]
Lay Members:
Mr. Duane A. Hollier, Sr. [2024 – 2nd term]
Ms. Rachel Schnabel [2026 -1st term]
Ms. Jacqueline Smith [2025 - 2nd term]
The Hon. Jack Day [2025 - 1st term]