April 20, 2023

Dear colleagues and friends,

In this season of episcopal transition, there are also other treasured colleagues transitioning from and within the Bishop’s Office. While we will have an opportunity to celebrate all of them on June 17 at the Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, it is important to keep you informed of their timelines as they become clear, and of who will be taking on their responsibilities as the 12th Bishop of Ohio’s staff takes shape.

On the last day of this month, the Rev. Brad Purdom will retire from his role as Canon for Congregations, after serving in that capacity since 2009. A trusted colleague to lay and ordained leaders alike, his contributions to the vitality of congregations and the vocational support of parish clergy have been immeasurable, as has been his valued companionship to countless congregations through the challenges and opportunities of parochial life. The Rev. Margaret D’Anieri, with the continuing support of our colleague Antoinette Taylor, will be taking on a number of the day-to-day responsibilities of Brad’s office, along with the work she currently does as Canon for Mission.

After serving the Diocese of Ohio since 2000, our incomparable Chief Financial Officer, Sue Leishman, will retire at the end of June and move to Tennessee to be near her brother and his family. Sue is the longest serving member of the Bishop’s Staff and her oversight of diocesan assets has been extraordinary. For 23 years, her support of parish treasurers, vestries, and clergy has built trust and collaboration across the system. Her steady and firm companionship has been a blessing to all of us.

Beginning July 1, our current Senior Accountant, Chris Butterfield, will succeed Sue as CFO of the Diocese. In her five years serving in the Finance Office with Sue and Janine Johnson, Chris has established relationships with congregational leaders across the Diocese and has come to know the culture of our church and its parishes. We are delighted that she is willing to take on this new responsibility.

As we move through the next few weeks, more clarity will come to the transition details of the other retiring staff members – Percy Grant, Bill Powel, and Bishop Mark – and we will inform you of them as soon as they are determined.

With every blessing of this season of new life,

The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Bishop

The Rev. Anne B. Jolly
Bishop-elect