The following are election results by the 56th Annual Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida Virtual Business Meeting on December 5, 2024.
Watch the Convention Business Meeting Here
Delegates at the convention voted online via the VPoll voting application. Please see the election results below:
ELECTION A BALLOT: Standing Committee, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) lay person to a (3) three-year term.
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Mrs. Michelle Thomas
ELECTION B BALLOT: Standing Committee, Presbyter: Elect two (2). Elect two (2) presbyters to a (3) three-year term
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The Rev. Joseph Hudson
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The Rev. Sandra Rogers
ELECTION C BALLOT: Diocesan Council, Presbyter: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Presbyter to a two-year term.
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The Rev. Eddie Gibbons
ELECTION D BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) Lay person to a 3-year term
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Mr. Edwin Ortiz
ELECTION E BALLOT: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy: Elect one (1). Elect one (1) clergy to a 3-year term.
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The Rev. Janet Tunnell
The convention also affirmed Diocesan Council elections, held in September. These are:
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Clearwater Deanery – Ms. Connie Mehr
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Ft. Myers Deanery – Ms. Paula Paquette
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Manasota Deanery – The Rev. Joyce Holmes, St. Wilfred’s
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Naples Deanery – Mr. Tom Connolly
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St. Petersburg Deanery – Mr. Ron Clayton, and The Rev. Rob Crow, St Augustine’s
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Tampa Deanery – The Rev. Dale Van Wormer, St. John’s
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Venice Deanery – The Rev. Andrea Rose Hayden, St Nathaniel’s
The members of the 56th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments to the Commission on Ministry.
Lay: Appoint 1 Lay (to the remainder of an unexpired first term)
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Ms. Chris N. Vasquez, Co-Chair
Presbyter: Appoint 4 Presbyters (three-year terms/No more than two consecutive terms)
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The Rev. Carla B. McCook, Co-Chair (first term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Whitney A. Burton (second term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Christian M. Wood (second term, 2024-2027)
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The Rev. Jonathan W. Evans (first term, 2024-2027
The members of the 56th Diocesan Convention affirmed the appointments of the Canonical Deans.
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(Fort Myers)…………The Very Rev. A. Charles Cannon [2024-2025 second term]
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(Clearwater)………….The Very Rev. Daniel J. Lemley [2024-2025 first term]
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(Manasota)……………The Very Rev. David J. Marshall [2024-2025 first term]
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(Naples)………………..The Very Rev. Jessica H. Babcock [2024-2025 first term]
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(St. Petersburg)……..The Very Rev. Ethan J. Cole [2024-2025 second term]
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(Tampa)……………….. The Very Rev. Robert C. Douglas [2024-2025 third term]
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(Venice)………………….The Very Rev. Cesar Olivero [2024-2025 second term]
After the convention, the newly formed Standing Committee elected new officers. These officers are:
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President: The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley
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Vice President: The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw
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Secretary: The Hon. Jack Day
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Liaison to the C.O.M.: The Rev. Joe Hudson
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Standing Committee Members:
Presbyters:
The Rev. Joe Hudson [2027 – 1st term]
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Harris Babcock [2026 -1st term]
The Rev. Michelle L. Robertshaw [2026- 2nd term]
The Rev Sandra Rogers [2027-1st Term]
The Rev. Ryan R. Whitley [2025 – 2nd term]
Lay Members:
Mrs. Michelle Thomas [2027- 1st Term]
Ms. Rachel Schnabel [2026 -1st term]
Ms. Jacqueline Smith [2025 – 2nd term]
The Hon. Jack Day [2025 – 1st term]