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Mar 18, 2011

Episcopal Church COO Will Leave in June

Linda Watt has announced that she will leave her position as Chief Operating Officer for the Episcopal Church in June 2011.

 

“It has been an immense honor to serve the Church and a privilege to support the Presiding Bishop’s ministry,” Watt commented. “I have been particularly blessed to meet and work with so many Episcopalians who are carrying out God’s mission in life-giving ways.  At this time I feel a very strong call to go home to southern Utah, to take my own ministry from an organizational to an individual level, and to spend more time with my husband, family and friends.” 

 

Following a U.S. State Department career in diplomacy that spanned several decades and continents, Watt was named Chief Operating Officer in November 2006.  She led the staff through a restructuring and established ministry offices outside of New York City as well as initiated strategic planning. 

 

“I am deeply grateful for Ambassador Watt’s excellent management skills, her interpersonal gifts, and her insightful and creative leadership as Chief Operating Officer,” Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said. 

 

The way forward

Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori has named an advisory droup to assist in the search for a new Chief Operating Officer.  The Advisory Group members are: the Rev. Timothy Anderson, Canon for the Tri-Faith initiative, Diocese of Nebraska, and Executive Council member; Judith Conley, President of the Standing Committee, Diocese of Arizona; the Rt. Rev. Jay Magness, Bishop Suffragan for Armed Forces and Federal Ministries; Jon Meacham, Executive Vice President of Random House, member of St Thomas, NYC, and the vestry of Trinity Wall Street, NYC; and the Rev. Canon Dr. Charles Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop.

 

The Presiding Bishop will name the Chief Operating Officer with advice and consent of a majority of the members of the Executive Council (Canon 1.4.3(d)).