Dear Ones,

This season brings several transitions in our diocesan staff, and I am writing to share those updates with you.

Communications Leadership Transitions
I am grateful for Jessica Rocha's years of service to the Diocese and for the many ways she has shared her gifts, creativity, and commitment in support of our ministries.
Over the course of her ministry among us, Jessica has made many contributions to the life of the Diocese, and I am thankful for her dedication to this work. As we enter a new season in our communications ministry, I am writing to share that Jessica's tenure as Canon for Communications concluded this week.
To ensure continuity during this transition, the Rev. Jo Nygard Owens will serve as Interim Communications Lead beginning June 10. Jo brings extensive experience in communications, digital ministry, Christian formation, and organizational leadership. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, she has served congregations and ministries across denominations as a communicator, consultant, coach, and teacher. Jo will also continue in her part-time role as a National Program Coordinator for the Episcopal Preaching Foundation.
During this interim period, Jo will provide leadership for our communications work and will help support a communications audit led by The Episcopal Church. This audit will help us assess our current communications systems, identify opportunities for growth, and discern our long-term communications needs.

I am also pleased to share that Emily Tamulewicz will continue serving as Missioner for Communications. Emily's creativity and commitment to this ministry will be invaluable during this transition.

Interim Canon for Operations and Finance
I also want to share that Christopher Whitaker will conclude his service as Interim Canon for Operations and Finance at the end of June, completing the one-year term agreed upon for this interim role.
Over the past year, Christopher has helped advance significant work across the Diocese, including strengthening budgeting processes, advancing our work toward greater clarity within the Joint Investment Fund, supporting parish property discernment, and helping implement the recommendations that emerged from the Reimagining Resource Allocation process.
Christopher has brought enthusiasm, wisdom, and a collaborative spirit to this work, and I am deeply grateful for his leadership during this important season.
The search for a permanent Canon for Operations is underway, and we will continue ensuring that key responsibilities are appropriately supported during the transition.

Welcome: Emily Czarnota
I am delighted to formally welcome Emily Czarnota, who joined the Diocese at the end of May as Executive Assistant to the Office of the Bishop.
Many of you may already have met Emily at our Regional Gathering. Emily brings more than twelve years of executive administrative experience and joins us from Publicis Sapient, where she supported senior leadership and helped coordinate initiatives for a global team.
Emily has already become a valued member of our staff, and I am grateful for the warmth with which so many of you have welcomed her.
I also want to express my gratitude to Deidre Thompson, who faithfully served as Interim Executive Assistant during this transition period. We are deeply thankful for her ministry and support.

Welcome: Michael Kidney
I am also pleased to announce that Michael Kidney will serve alongside Kim Lager as Co-Convener for Clergy Partners and Spouses.
Michael brings a rich combination of leadership, hospitality, creativity, and community-building experience. He is an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Toledo, where his husband, the Rev. Jon Richardson, serves as rector. Michael has already become a familiar presence at diocesan gatherings and events, generously showing up to support the life of our Diocese and building relationships across our communities. I am grateful for his willingness to serve in this important ministry and look forward to the gifts he will bring to this role.

In Closing
Transitions are a natural part of the life of any organization, evenI remain deeply grateful for the gifted leaders, staff, clergy, lay leaders, and volunteers who continue to serve Christ through the Diocese of Ohio. as they can be challenging.

Thank you for your prayers, your partnership, and your commitment to the work God has entrusted to us.

God's Peace,
Bishop Anne