188th Annual Convention

Marsha Wade
St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I have been honored to have been elected to serve as Secretary since 2012 and would be pleased to continue to serve in that role.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

I have served in several areas of the work of the Diocese and St. James Church, including Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, EfM co-mentor, Diocesan EfM Coordinator, past search committees for Bishop of the Diocese and for Rector of St. James Church, vocational discernment committees and other projects and tasks over the years as requested by Bishops Jenkins, Thompson and Duckworth and the clergy at St. James Church.

Keith Crawford

Trinity Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?

I desire to serve the Diocese in the way that I think best fits my abilities.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?

Occupation: CFO of Peter A Mayer Advertising, Inc.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

30+ years experience in various financial management roles, including current roles as CFO of a regional advertising agency and owner / operator of a multi-family real estate firm. I have also served as Treasurer of my church for 10 years, and have served on the Executive Committee of the Diocese for 1 year

The Rev. Casey Duncan

Episcopal School of Baton Rouge; St. James Episcopal Church

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
When asked to consider standing for election for the Standing Committee I was filled with a sense of joy. Knowing that election to this committee would require a commitment of time, attention, prayer, and dedication, this sense of joy seemed to be a fruit of the Spirit. It would be my pleasure to serve Christ’s holy Church and the Diocese of Louisiana in this way.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
As we remember the past, we must prayerfully consider our actions in the present so that we might best join in God’s holy work of transforming the future. If elected to serve on the Standing Committee, I will bring a listening ear and a desire to learn. I take seriously the importance of supporting our bishop and all ministers of the Episcopal Church both lay and ordained. I believe in the sanctity of discernment for Holy Orders. Thus, if elected, I will strive to uphold others in their work for the Church.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
I have served in several areas of the work of the Diocese and St. James Church, including Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, EfM co-mentor, Diocesan EfM Coordinator, past search committees for Bishop of the Diocese and for Rector of St. James Church, vocational discernment committees and other projects and tasks over the years as requested by Bishops Jenkins, Thompson and Duckworth and the clergy at St. James Church.

Sonia Romero

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Kenner

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
The one emotion that motivates me to seek this nomination is a genuine desire to give. God has been so gracious and blessed me in countless ways that I feel the call to give back. I would be honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Diocese.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I have served St. John’s (Kenner) as the Secretary-Treasurer for the past eight years. And allthough our congregation is small, I work diligently to ensure that our finances remain in order and that every parishioner feels welcomed with a true sense of family and belonging. With my background in accounting and insurance, I believe I can provide valuable assitance to the Diocese in making sound and thoughtful decisions. If elected, it’d be an honor as there’s nothing I want more than to serve.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
I have 25 years of experience in insurance, 10 years in property management and recently earned my master’s degree in accounting. I hope these skills and my experience in these fields can be a valuable resource for this position.

Laura Williams

Christ Episcopal Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I was honored and humbled to be asked to serve in this way by Canon Morgan.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
After a professional career in project management, project controls, and risk management consulting, I discovered in retirement that I could use many of these same skills as a ministry—serving God and supporting the church I love. I am a team player and good collaborator. A lifelong Episcopalian, I am honored to prayerfully serve wherever the diocese has need.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
At Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, I have been blessed to serve in many ways. I am currently in my second year of my second term on the vestry and in my third year as Senior Warden, after a year as Junior Warden. I have also had the joy of serving on a Congregational Discernment Committee, the Lay Pastoral Ministry Team, the LEM Team, the Funeral Guild, and the Livestreaming Team, among others. I am an EfM alumni and a member of the Daughters of the King.

The Rev. Carrie Wright

St. Paul’s, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Asked by Canon Morgan Macintire.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
A love and passion for the diocese I grew up in. I look forward to serving to continue the great work this Diocese is doing to share God’s love to the rest of the world.

Occupation:
Chaplain

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Former math teacher, chaplain, former rector

Ashley Danos

St. Lukes, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I received an email from Morgan McIntyre and was immediately moved to say “yes,” which does not happen often these days. I think we should all say “yes” when it comes to using our gifts to serve God and grow His kingdom. I have served both at St. Luke’s and Episcopal High School, and would be honored to serve in this capacity at the diocesan level.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I have a financial background, which is always helpful when running any organization. I have a strong faith in the Episcopal church, and try to make big decisions under the guidance of “How does this serve God and his people?” I also think outside the box, big picture, and long-term for the healthy longevity of an organization.

Occupation:
BS in Accounting & MBA, but not currently employed

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I have a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an MBA (concentration in Finance), both from LSU with many years of experience in financial management. I have served in various capacities at St. Luke’s, currently including the Building Committee for our new church and fellowship hall. I served on the Board of Trustees at Episcopal High School for six years, two of those as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. I am a long term thinker with acute attention to details and planning.

Mark Williamson

Trinity, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I have been serving on the Executive Board for three years and wish to continue my service to the Diocese.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I have used my banking and finance background and experience to help address the ongoing fiscal challenges that we face within the Diocese.

Occupation:
Retired Banker

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I spent 43 years in banking and retired as the CEO of a bank in North Carolina. Many of our Parishes face fiscal challenges, especially with the insurance crisis in Louisiana, so I believe I bring the necessary background needed to assist in addressing these challenges.

The Rev. Liz Embler-Beazley

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I have previously served on this committee and consider it an honor to serve my diocese and the church, especially in regards to such important issues as discipline and accountability.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I will be prayerful and thoughtful in all engagements with this work and will strive to respect the dignity of every human being as our baptismal covenant compels us.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
Previous service on the Disciplinary Board, 8 years of ordained ministry

Mary Katherine Blackburn

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Thibodaux

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I served a part of an unexpired term on the Disciplinary Committee, and I would be honored to continue to serve the diocese on this committee.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I continue to serve my local church as a member of the vestry, and currently serving as Senior Warden. I enjoy working with many different people with different skills and ministries. I am an active member of the ECW, currently serving as secretary for St. John’s, and was named an ECW Honored Woman.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
I worked for over 30 years as a Registered Nurse. I did bedside Critical Care nursing for 20 years before working as a nurse manager. I worked with people of many different backgrounds and skills.I was named to the list of 100 great nurses of Louisiana. I still enjoy working with people who are ill or just need a little help to “understand what the doctor said.” I currently serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, lector, and I have completed “Safe Church / Safe Communities” training.

Henry A. Jackson

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Thibodaux

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I was asked to serve by Bishop Thompson.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I believe I am objective and open minded.

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:

Drew Broach

All Saints’ Episcopal Church, River Ridge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Sewanee is my alma mater, and remains dear to me to this day. I feel called to pray, advise and contribute to the university.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
As a member of the Board of Trustees, I seek to raise Sewanee’s profile in the Diocese of Louisiana, the South and nationally; to strengthen the university in a challenging time for U.S. higher education; and to underscore the words of Psalm 133: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.

Occupation:
Retired journalist

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
– Member, University of the South Board of Trustees; chair of its Constitution and Ordinances Committee.

William Lewis

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Sewanee made a significant impact on not only my professional career but also my personal life, and I want to give back to the University by serving on the Board of Trustees. I would also be a strong ambassador to represent Sewanee in the Diocese of Louisiana based on my deep love for the school and wanting to see it thrive.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
If nominated, my lifelong history with the college would be a strong asset as a trustee. As a multi-generational Sewanee alum, I have lived the positive experiences of the school with my grandfather, father, and sister before I attended the University. As a member of the Class of 2019, I understand the lifelong impact that Sewanee has on its students and faculty members, based on the strong relationships I built while attending. Lastly, as someone who was born and grew up in the Episcopal Church, I fully believe in the importance of Sewanee to exist not only as a scholarly institution but also as an arm for the church to spread its message.

Occupation:
Marketing Producer

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
With my current occupation as a marketing producer, key aspects of my job include communication while building and maintaining relationships. I work with people on various projects every single day and understand the importance of collaboration and leadership. Lastly, I am a chalice bearer, a pastoral care minister, involved with the Young Adult Ministry, and PFLAG at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. I spend a lot of my free time assisting in various ministries of the Episcopal Church.

The Rev. D. Seth Donald

Christ Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
A willingness to serve, offering my gifts and experience for the good of the diocese and the broader church.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
If elected I will work collegially and collaboratively with my fellow deputies to serve the best interests of a church in pursuit of its mission “to restore all people to
unity with God and each other in Christ.”
If elected, I would commit to investing the adequate time required to study and review convention materials in order to be an engaged and effective deputy.

Occupation:
Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
-Rector of a vibrant program sized parish with responsibilities over a 650+ student parish day school and a church founded Continuum of Care Retirement Community
-Served as Deputy to the 79th General Convention in Austin, Tx (from Western Louisiana)
-Elected as Deputy to the 80th General Convention (moved to EDOLA from WLA prior to)
-Chair of the EDOLA Constitution and Canons Committee
-Member of the EDOLA Finance Committee

The Rev. Tommy Dillon

St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I feel called to serve as a Deputy because of my deep love for the Episcopal Church and for our diocese. This church has shaped my life and ministry, and I want to give back by representing Louisiana at General Convention once again, sharing our voices, and working together to help guide the future of our church.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
If nominated, I would bring over two decades of experience as a parish priest, working to build communities of faith that are joyful, inclusive, and rooted in service. I have a collaborative spirit and a deep love for listening to people’s stories, helping to hold space for voices that might otherwise go unheard. My service as a deputy to several General Conventions, as a mentor to clergy, and through justice work with Together Baton Rouge and interfaith partners has taught me how to connect local concerns with the wider mission of the Episcopal Church. I also bring creativity in evangelism and liturgy, along with experience fostering collaboration—such as the recent partnership between two Episcopal seminaries—which I believe can serve as a hopeful model for our diocese and the wider church.

Occupation:
Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I have served as a parish priest for more than twenty years, in both West Coast parishes and here in Louisiana, the diocese that nurtured and ordained me. At St. Margaret’s in the past nine years, I have shared in the congregation’s growth in spirit and numbers (asa from 45 to 135) and helped launch new ministries such as Youth and Family Ministry and La Mesa Latino Ministry. I have also served as a Deputy to several General Conventions, including on the House of Deputies Legislative Committee on Evangelism & the Future Church at the 81st General Convention, and on the diocesan Executive Committee.

Through Thriving in Ministry and our diocesan Transitions in Ministry program, I have accompanied clergy in their vocations, and through Together Baton Rouge, interfaith partnerships, Latino Ministry, Racial Healing, and Inclusive Louisiana, I have learned to listen, build bridges, and seek God’s justice. I also helped foster the partnership between General Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminary, which offers a hopeful model of collaboration and innovation for the wider church.

The Rev. Liz Embler-Beazley

Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Hammond

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I have served twice before and have loved the opportunity to connect with other Episcopalians on an international scale, to have a say in the work of the church on a broader level, and to see the glory of God even in the midst of long business meetings. General Convention is an incredible opportunity to see new perspectives of our church and to grow in our understanding of how deep and wide the love of God is in our church.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I would bring experience from having served as a deputy at two previous conventions and attended as a visitor at two other conventions. I would provide unique insight as a female, solo priest, with small children, who is also married to a priest. I would bring my love and passion for the church to each meeting and to the convention.

Occupation:
Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Clergy Deputy at General Conventions 80th in 2022 & 81st in 2024, visitor at two prior GCs. I am active on diocesan committees and have connections throughout the church to my experience serving in different dioceses and in The Episcopal Service Corps.

The Rev. Annie Knazs Jung

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
My passion for representing our fantastic Diocese of Louisiana at the National level. I attended last General Convention as a Visitor to learn and witness about our structure and governance, and would be grateful to attend again as a Delegate with our Louisiana cohort.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I have professional experience and passion for listening to all sides, absorbing information, and looking for important patterns to work toward systemic goals, holistic measures of success, and positive direction. As a Christian, I value and prioritize discerning decision making through prayer and looking for fruits of the Holy Spirit. I highly respect The Episcopal Church’s structure in lay and clerical representation in governance, and would love to support all who I would represent.

Occupation:
Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Member of the Diocese of Louisiana for 28 years.
Ordained 3 1/2 years
Leadership as Rector, School Board Executive, previous position as Assoc.
Rector for Liturgy Youth Ministry & School experience for 20 + Years
Previous Career as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Practice Owner

The Rev. Audra Ryes

St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church, Zachary

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
To represent the voice of small community churches and their unique ministry work that is so vital to communities.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
If nominated, the value I would add is to be a deputy that is committed to growing our Diocese lay and clergy membership that reflects diversity in gender, race, ethnicity, age, and religious experiences. I would use my role as a deputy to deepen my understanding of our legislature and bring back detailed information that would move our Diocese forward in developing policies that keep us in compliance with the resolutions of the Episcopal Church. I would also be active in developing effective policies that build thriving parish communities, bridge communication gaps, and deepen our church’s commitment to reconciliation. Lastly, as a native person of Louisiana, I would be a deputy who is well bred and grown in our unique history and cultural heritage that colors the Diocese of Louisiana like no other religious community on this planet. The overall respect I have for our history, governance, and continual evolution within the Diocese of Louisiana is the heart posture of a deputy that would shine an important light at General Convention. If nominated, there is no doubt that the Diocese of Louisiana would be seen, heard, and respected.

Occupation:
Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
My skills and experience that are relevant for being a member of deputation: I am a truth-teller, active listener, ardent questioner and resilient in doing whatever it takes to getting issues resolved. I love dialogue and I feel comfortable working with people who I have known for years and equally comfortable with people I have known for minutes. I guess you can say I have never met a stranger. As a former teacher for over two decades and a successful graduate of three universities, I understand the importance of being a life-long learner and sharing knowledge with others so we all can be better and live better together. As the rector of St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Day School, my first and only assignment so far as a priest, I understand the weight of responsibility and the importance of showing up for the people who count on you. So overall my biggest skill set is I know how to be in relationship with people. All types of people.

John Musser

Trinity, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I wanted to serve one last time as a Deputy. I have served before and therefore know exactly how General Convention operates.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
My experience of having as Senior Warden of Trinity, a long time on the Diocesan Executive Committee and the last several General Conventions.

Occupation:
Attorney

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I am an attorney and have served before on the Social Justice/United States, including once as Vice Chair and once as Secretary.

John Sykes

St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
The General Convention serves such an important role for our Church, its governance and how we pursue our mission in the world. The gathering of the larger Church in Convention is such an opportunity to learn, appreciate the faith and diversity of our members, and observe the Holy Spirit at work.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
In serving, I would bring my love for the Episcopal Church and my faith in the future of our Church and Diocese. I was fortunate to have served as a lay delegate to the General Convention in 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky. That experience was an amazing experience to learn from the wider Church and be apart of the excitement ahead for the Episcopal Church.

Occupation:
Seminarian at the University of the South

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Seminarian, University of the South at Sewanee
Vestry Member, Sunday School Teacher, Acolyte Advisor
Museum Director

Penelope Bankston

Christ Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
The Church is such a big and important part of my life, I feel called to serve in a deeper way. I’m eager to lend my support to advancing governance of the broader Church.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I can commit to embracing the duties of deputy – to dedicating the substantial time necessary to studying all relevant information in preparation for Convention, to collaborating with my fellow deputies, and to reporting to the Diocese.

Occupation:
Retired Research Physical Chemist

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I’ve served on Vestry of 2 parishes, as Jr & Sr Warden, Diocese Executive Board member, chair of stewardship committee, capital campaign leadership team, and Lay Pastoral Minister.

Mark Williamson

Trinity, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I have served on several Vestry’s and committees over the years, as well as Treasurer and Senior Warden, however I have never been to General Convention. I am interested in learning more about the governing body of the Episcopal Church.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I believe my various leadership roles within the Church, as well in the community and professionally, qualify me to add value. I use a collaborative team-oriented approach and try to always be respectful of others’ viewpoints.

Occupation:
Retired Banker

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I spent 43 years in banking, most recently as CEO of a bank in North Carolina. I have always tried to serve my church and community through various volunteer and leadership roles. I have always believed in doing my part and I see this as another opportunity to do that.

Carolyn Harris

Historic St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Serving as deputy at prior General Conventions has increased my desire to continue be make inroads in the Episcopal Church. I would like to further Legislation and Resolutions that help bring youth and young adults together in the Diocese.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
Continue to vote for resolutions that help small diverse congregations .

Occupation:
Retired Financial Consultant

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
-Representing St Luke’s Church at four Annual Diocesan Conventions
-Involvement with committee for installation of Bishop Duckworth
-Anti-Racism Training Knowledge acquired as a Deputy at 3 previous General Conventions
-Served on the Resolutions Committee for GeneralConvention
-Member of Standing Committee