The 189th Annual Convention

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?
I believe that my 30+ years experience in financial management and strategy will provide great value as the Diocese navigates a complicated financial landscape in both the short and long term. I further believe that my 10 years experience as Treasurer of my home church (Trinity New Orleans) will allow me to take on this responsibility understanding the pastoral and liturgical aspects of the work, always trying to find the best ways to manage the resources entrusted to us.

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. Gina Brewster-Jenkins
Christ Episcopal Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I would like to be more involved with the inner workings of the diocese.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
As a school chaplain in a diocese with so many schools, I can offer a unique perspective. I have also worked with youth and children for over 30 years and have gifts and experiences to share.

Occupation: School Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Diocesan Youth Leadership: Served as Diocesan Youth Coordinator for the Diocese of Georgia for 9 years, providing leadership, guidance, and support to youth and congregations throughout the diocese.

Organizational Leadership: Worked closely with the Bishop and diocesan staff, gaining extensive experience in collaboration, communication, administration, and church leadership.

Education: 26 years of experience as an educator, developing strong skills in teaching, mentoring, communication, and working with students, families, and colleagues.

Disciplinary Leadership: Served on discipline committees at both the diocesan and school levels.

Strategic Planning: Participated on strategic planning committees, helping organizations evaluate needs, establish goals, and develop plans for the future.

Seminary Leadership: Served as President of the Student Body at seminary, demonstrating leadership, representation, organization, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

Key Skills: Leadership, mentoring, teaching, communication, collaboration, strategic planning, conflict resolution, organizational development, decision-making, and relationship building..

Lauren C. Anderson
St. Anna’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I have served on the executive committee under Bishop Morris Thompson. I enjoy having the opportunity to serve the Diocese and work with other members of the Diocese. And I want to support and contribute to Bishop Duckwork’s ministry.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I have been involved in the diocese level for many years and in different capacities, most the Bishop search committee that led to the election of Bishop Dusckworth. I believe I have an appreciation of the diocese.

Occupation: Retired

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I have worked in the nonprofit sector most of my professional career. I retired after 20 as the ED of a nonprofit. I have served on many local, regional and national boards. I am very active in the life and ministry of S. Anna’s church.

Emily Duke
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Orleans

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Canon Morgan suggested that I would be helpful on this committee. As I have enjoyed serving my parish, I am interested in serving the Diocese and gaining a broader understanding 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 have a deep appreciation for the mission and values of the Episcopal church and am devoted to serving others to the glory of God.

Occupation: Physical Therapist

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I am a cradle Episcopalian and attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. I have been honored to serve my church and our school in a variety of fashions: Lay Eucharistic Minister, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Finance Committee, School Board, and I’m currently serving on our school’s Strategic Planning Committee.Occupation: Physical Therapist

Julio Figueroa
Christ Church Cathedral

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Desire to serve the diocese as a person with experience in education, medicine, and spiritual formation.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
As noted below, I have had a variety of roles in the church and in my professional life. As a board member, I would seek to leverage my diverse experience to further the bishop’s vision for our diocese.

Occupation: Physician

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
I have been involved in multiple roles in the church including a member of the vestry, the diocesan standing committee, and an Episcopal school board. I also have been on the Lambeth House board. My true passion is in spiritual formation for all ages. I have been trained in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and DOCC. I am an assistant to Fr. Steven Roberts in the development of Real Presence, the evening service at the Cathedral. As an academic physician at LSU Health, I have played roles in education, administration, and public service. Most recently, I have begun the discernment process.

The Rev. Bryan Owen
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I was honored to be asked by Canon Morgan MacIntire to consider seeking nomination for the Standing Committee. I have served on the Standing Committee before, so I am familiar with the responsibilities. I am also motivated to serve by a desire to give back to the Diocese that has been so supportive of me and all of the people of St. Luke’s, Baton Rouge in the wake of the 2024 fire that destroyed the church and fellowship hall buildings.

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 prior Standing Committee experience, parish leadership experience, and a collaborative spirit to the committee’s work. As Rector of St. Luke’s, I have helped lead our congregation through the challenges of recovering from the 2024 fire and rebuilding our church and fellowship hall, experiences that have strengthened my skills in strategic planning, communication, stewardship, and consensus building. I value working with people from across the Diocese and would bring a commitment to thoughtful discernment, faithful governance, and support for the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana.

Occupation:
Priest

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Previous Standing Committee service, including serving as Chair.

– Parish leadership as Rector of St. Luke’s for over 13 years.

– Strategic planning and stewardship.

– Crisis leadership and congregational renewal.

– Collaborative leadership and consensus building.

– Strong communication and pastoral skills.

– Commitment to prayerful discernment and governance.

Laura Williams
Christ Episcopal Church, Covington

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I I was honored and humbled when Canon Morgan asked me to consider serving in this capacity. I am currently serving the remaining year of a Standing Committee member’s term following their move from the diocese, and I have found the work both meaningful and rewarding. I would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the diocese in this way.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
After a career in project management, project controls, and risk management consulting, I discovered in retirement that many of the skills I developed professionally could also be used as a ministry—serving God and supporting the Church I love. I bring experience in collaboration, thoughtful decision-making, problem-solving, and working effectively as part of a team. As a lifelong Episcopalian, I am grateful for the opportunity to prayerfully serve wherever the diocese has need.

Occupation: Retired

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
At Christ Episcopal Church in Covington, I have been blessed with many opportunities to serve. I am currently in the final year of my second term on the vestry and am serving my fourth year as Senior Warden. My other ministries have included serving on a Congregational Discernment Committee, the Lay Pastoral Ministry team, the Funeral Guild, and the Livestreaming team, among others. I am also an EfM alumna and a member of the Daughters of the King.

And as mentioned above, I have served on the Standing Committee this past year, filling the remainder of the term of a member who moved from the area. That experience gave me a greater appreciation for the work of the diocese and strengthened my desire to continue serving the wider Church.

The Very Rev. Dr. Fred Devall
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Metairie

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I’ve served as Chair of the Disciplinary Board for the past two years and would like to continue in this role for a full term.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
Working with the Bishop and Canon, I believe we have worked well as a team in holding the church accountable while also providing appropriate pastoral sensibility in delicate situations.

Occupation: Priest/Rector

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
Ordained 30 years. Rector at St. Martin’s for 22 years and also served on the Board of Trustees for 22 years. I’ve been a five-time Deputy to General Convention and have a firm understanding of the wider church and expectations.

The Rev. Deacon Laura Freeze
Grace Memorial Episcopal Church, Hammond

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
Canon McIntire reached out and asked me if I would be interested in serving as a member of the Disciplinary Board. As a newly ordained Deacon, I feel that it is important to be willing to serve when called upon and to serve in any capacity that I am able.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I believe I would bring a combination of compassion, fairness, and experience working through complex process with care and integrity.

Occupation: Deacon

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
Working for the Social Security Administration, I learned to listen compassionately to people in difficult situations, handle sensitive information responsibly, and apply program rules and regulations thoughtfully and impartially to each person’s situation.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I would strive to be diligent in looking at facts and intentional in hearing all sides. Listening is a skill that is particularly important on a Disciplinary Board, and much of my training is in communication skills, of which listening takes top priority.

Occupation: Associate Rector/School ChaplaiBefore being ordained a priest, I spent decades in the public and parochial school systems as a high school teacher, counselor, and administrator. As a high school assistant principal, I helped with discipline issues involving both students and faculty and staff. All of these experiences have served me well in unraveling complex situations and in practicing fairness while holding people accountable.

The Reverend Trish Toburen

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
When asked if I would consider nomination for this position, I agreed, as I understand the importance of this committee’s function in holding clergy accountable. It was an honor to be asked, and I believe I can offer fair-mindedness with an open heart.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
I would strive to be diligent in looking at facts and intentional in hearing all sides. Listening is a skill that is particularly important on a Disciplinary Board, and much of my training is in communication skills, of which listening takes top priority.

Occupation: Associate Rector/School Chaplain

Relevant experiences, skills and talents:
Before being ordained a priest, I spent decades in the public and parochial school systems as a high school teacher, counselor, and administrator. As a high school assistant principal, I helped with discipline issues involving both students and faculty and staff. All of these experiences have served me well in unraveling complex situations and in practicing fairness while holding people accountable.

The Rev. Robert Beazley
Solomon Episcopal Conference Center

What motivated you to seek nomination for this committee?
I strongly support the theological education of our lay and clergy leaders. As the last Episcopal governed higher ed institution, The University of the South, Sewanee is pivotal in raising up our Church’s theological education.

If nominated, what added value would you bring to the Diocese in moving the committee forward with God’s work?
Serving on the Board of Trustees strengthens the relationship between the Diocese and Sewanee – strengthening opportunities for high school and college students as well as clergy in training and continuing education opportunities. I would advocate, whenever possible, for members of our Diocese to grow in their faith through such opportunities.

Occupation:
Priest and Executive Director, Solomon Episcopal Conference Center

Relevant experiences, skills, and talents:
Graduate of the School of Theology, Sewanee; current Clergy Trustee; Ordained 11 years.