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Dear Ones,

I am writing to share some wonderful news about the life and ministry of our staff. As we continue to discern how God is calling us forward in this season, I'm reminded repeatedly of the gifts each new colleague brings to our shared work. Please join me as we welcome two individuals to the Diocesan staff.

Welcome: Nicole Collins
I am delighted to welcome Nicole Collins to the Diocese of Ohio as our part-time Missioner for Event Planning. This is a new role created to focus on gatherings as part of how we live out our vision as a diocese. Nicole began this work on September 8, and you'll get your first glimpse of her gifts in action at Diocesan Convention this fall.

Nicole started her career as a reporter and bureau chief in Lorain County before joining CNN in Atlanta, where she built a strong foundation in storytelling, production, and project coordination. Her passion for hospitality runs deep, from years of community leadership and volunteer service to more than fifteen years on her church's Hospitality Ministry. Nicole holds an MBA in International Business from Louisiana State University and degrees from the University of Akron and Lorain County Community College.

I'm excited about what this new position makes possible — the chance to gather more intentionally and joyfully as a diocesan family. I have no doubt that as you come to know Nicole, you'll see for yourself the infectious energy and faith she brings to her ministry among us. Please join me in welcoming Nicole to the Bishop's Staff.

Welcome: The Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed
I am also delighted to share with you, if you didn’t already know, that the Rev. Canon Jessie Gutgsell Dodson is expecting her third child in October! We rejoice in the new life that is forming and the gift that will be to her family, this diocese, and the world.

I am grateful for the Rev. Charlotte Collins Reed, who will join us as Interim Canon to the Ordinary, starting on October 9, for stepping in to support the Diocesan staff while Canon Jessie is on maternity leave. Canon Charlotte will serve in this role part-time and remotely, focusing primarily on our upcoming Diocesan Convention and on supporting transition ministry across the Diocese.

Canon Charlotte retired in 2024 after eight years as rector of Christ Church Episcopal in Hudson, here in the Diocese of Ohio. Prior to that, she served for fifteen years as rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Springfield in the Diocese of Southern Ohio, as well as serving in other faith communities in that diocese throughout her years in ministry.

Her leadership in the wider church runs deep: she has served on the Standing Committee of both the Diocese of Ohio and the Diocese of Southern Ohio, including a term as president, on the Commission on Ministry in Southern Ohio, and as a deputy to General Convention from Southern Ohio in 2015. Charlotte and her husband, Don, live in Cincinnati and attend Calvary Episcopal Church in Clifton.

I am deeply grateful that Canon Charlotte has said yes to this call, and I know her wisdom, experience, and pastoral heart will be a gift to our staff and to the wider Diocese during this season. Please join me in welcoming her.

I'm also glad to share that Canon Jessie anticipates returning to her role in early 2027. Even amid the adjustments that come with any season of transition, there is something deeply hopeful about a season that includes new life — a reminder of God's ongoing creativity and the quiet ways new beginnings, in all their forms, are cause for real joy. Please hold Canon Jessie and her family in your prayers during her maternity leave.

For a full picture of staff coverage during this transition, our online staff directory will be updated as Jessie's leave begins — please check there or reach out with questions.

Thank you, as always, for the many ways you serve Christ through the Diocese of Ohio. Please join me in welcoming Nicole and Canon Charlotte into the life and ministry of our diocesan family.

God's Peace,

+Anne

The Rt. Rev. Anne B Jolly

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio