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Dear Ones,

I am delighted to announce that two new colleagues will be joining the Bishop's Staff on November 30: the Rev. Karla J. Elliott as Canon for Operations and Andrew Teague McCollister as Diocesan Controller.

Both bring significant experience, a deep commitment to the church, and gifts that will strengthen our work together as we continue to build a diocese that supports faithful, healthy, effective, and sustainable ministry in our faith communities.

The Rev. Karla J. Elliott
Karla will lead the integration of our diocesan vision across governance, finance, real estate, human resources, and administrative operations. Her work will be especially important as we reimagine how our diocesan structures and resources can better support the ministry of our faith communities.

Karla began her career as a labor and employment attorney, practicing with firms in Washington, D.C., and Indianapolis before moving in-house. Over the next fifteen years she served as General Counsel, then Chief Operating Officer, and eventually CEO of a national insurance services company. Along the way, she came to love building strong teams and creating the structures that help an organization thrive.

Karla has long felt a call to ministry, and throughout her years in law and business she was deeply involved in leadership in her local church. Answering that call led her to seminary and ordination. She is an ordained elder in The United Methodist Church and most recently served as Executive Pastor of St. Mark's in Carmel, Indiana, while also serving in several leadership roles in the Indiana Conference.

Karla is energized by the work of helping the church's structures support its mission, and she is grateful for the chance to do that work alongside the many people who carry out the ministry of this diocese. She is eager to get to know people across Northern Ohio and is looking forward to the conversations ahead.

Andrew Teague McCollister
Andrew will oversee the financial operations of the diocese, including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, audits, and financial compliance. He brings both substantial professional experience and a personal connection to the Diocese of Ohio.

Andrew was born and raised in North Carolina. He graduated with honors from Catawba College and earned a Master's in Accounting and an MBA from Northeastern University. He is a CPA, the author of four published books, and enjoys competing in swimming competitions and triathlons.

Ten years ago, Andrew moved to Cleveland and began attending services at Trinity Cathedral. In 2024, he married his husband, Matthew, in what has been described as the most Episcopal wedding anyone has ever seen. After many years as Financial Controller of the local nonprofit Vocational Guidance Services, Andrew is very excited to begin a new chapter with the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio.

A Thoughtful Transition
Our Interim CFO, Chanin Tyler, and Interim Controller, Lisa Sheldon, will work closely with Karla and Andrew to ensure a smooth transition. We have not yet determined when their interim service on our staff will conclude. I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary dedication and hard work Chanin and Lisa have given to the diocese, and for their continued partnership during this transition. We will keep faith communities informed of any changes in financial contacts or processes as they occur.

Karla and Andrew will both be at Diocesan Convention, and I hope you will take the opportunity to meet them. I am excited about the gifts they bring to our shared ministry and look forward to the work ahead.

God's Peace,

+Anne

The Rt. Rev. Anne B Jolly

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio