Election Nominees

Election A: Standing Committee, Lay Elect two lay persons. One to a three-year term, one to a one-year unexpired term.

Mr. James Corn St. Augustine, St. Petersburg

Biography: Graduate of Georgia State University in Atlanta. An Episcopalian since 1989, member of St Augustine’s in St Pete since 2005. I have served as Senior Warden for a number of years and for two different priests-in-charge. Just completing the first three-year term as lay person on the Standing Committee. I have found the Standing Committee another way I, as a Episcopalian, can supplement my relationship with the church, and with our ever loving God above. I have been married to my wife Joyce for 54 years, we have three grown children, and four grandchildren. We are custodians of our 13 year old grandson Justice.

Nominee Statement: As I mentioned above, I have served as Senior Warden at St Augustine’s for a number of years. I enjoy assisting the Priest-In-Charge in assuring that the church functions to meet, address, and serve all parishioners. I feel I bring good judgment and sound reasoning in handling issues that occur during the year. As a member of the Standing Committee (Lay) I feel I bring that same level of good judgment and sound reasoning to issues that surface within the Diocese of SW Florida. I feel very comfortable with the stance of the Episcopal Church and the direction of the Canons on a number of levels including its position on non discrimination in relation to color, gender, or sexual orientation. I feel that the Diocese of Southwest Florida is in concert with the Episcopal Church and the Canons in meeting and handling all facets of daily operations, and I would like to be a part of that process as a Lay member of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Duane Anthony Hollier St. Martin, Hudson

Biography: I am a Nuclear Medicine Technologist/Radiation Safety Officer born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I have been married to my wife, Beverly Anita, for forty-five years. I have two children, Duane II, and Ebony. I received my education at Tuskegee Institute, BS, Biology, Meharry Medical College, Radiologic Technology, and Vanderbilt University, Nuclear Medicine Technology. I have served as President of the Florida Nuclear Medicine Technologists and President of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Southeastern Technologists. I have a history of serving in leadership roles, both in church and professional organizations. I believe I possess critical thinking skills as well as the ability not only to recognize strategic challenges for the church today, but more importantly, also envision ideas and offer solutions that address these challenges. My view and ideas are steeped in deep faith and a prevailing sense of hope for the future.

Nominee Statement: Spanning a lifetime of Episcopal worship, 20 years of service to St. Anselm’s Nashville, TN, 14 years of service to St. Mary’s Palatka,FL and 8 years to St. Martin’s Hudson. I have come to understand that leadership is a path to which I am called. Running for Standing Committee feels a natural progression on this path. I presently serve as the Senior Warden of St. Martin’s and have served as a past Treasurer. I have served on the vestry for three years. I am a member of the choir and am a cantor. With the rapid rate of change in society, and a highly divisive political climate, the church is one of the few places where all generations come together, engaging in meaningful conversation, rooted in a common understanding of faith. Engaging the diocese in embracing our tradition, while re-imagining our future excites me most about serving on the Standing Committee.

Mrs. Josephine G. Lane St. Hilary, Ft. Myers

Biography: I am a widow. Ben and I were married for 58 years. We had four children who are all married. They have given us five grandchildren. All of the children and grandchildren are college graduates except the youngest who is still an undergraduate. I completed my education in 1981 when I received my Ed. D. from the University of Kentucky. I retired from the faculty of Eastern Kentucky as an Associate Professor in the department of Mathematics. I have visited all 50 states and have traveled extensively worldwide. I’ve observed the different ways countries handle common problems. We found kind and friendly

people everywhere, who want only to feel safe in a secure home, to have access to an open work place, and to have the freedom to worship as they please. My lifetime as a volunteer began in eighth grade as a helper in the local public library. I was a Girl Scout (GS) leader, a Richmond KY GS organizer, a regional GS director and camping instructor. I received GS’s highest award for an adult for my 10 years of work. I was a hospital volunteer for 12 years in the Lee hospital system’s emergency rooms. I worked directly with patients and visitors. I was a guardian ad litem for the Lee County Family Courts.

Nominee Statement: As a child I was a member of the First Methodist Church in Colorado. When we moved to Richmond, Kentucky we attended First Methodist where I was Sunday School Superintendent. We became Episcopalians after our sabbatical in England, Australia, and New Zealand. I am currently a member in good standing at St. Hilary’s in Ft. Myers. I have taught Sunday School, been on the vestry twice (including the year when we did not have a priest), served as vestry clerk, an officer in St. Hilary’s ECW, ECW deanery director, member of Diocesan ECW board, Altar Guild director of St Hilary’s and deanery Altar Guild director, and diocesan Altar Guild board member. I am currently serving my second term on the Diocesan Council. I am an acolyte, Eucharistic Minister, and a Eucharistic Visitor. I prepared lunch for Clericus which met at St. Hilary’s for many years. It is a unique way to get acquainted with deanery clerics. In serving in many different capacities I have learned to listen, respect confidentiality, and to seek consensus. I have extensive experience in a wide variety of capacities throughout the diocese. I would be honored to serve on the Standing Committee and pledge to work with all members to advise and assist in any way I am able.

Mr. Henderson Stuart St. Nathaniel, North Port

Biography: I was born in Barbados, West Indies. I emigrated to New York in 1970 and worshipped at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in NYC from 1984 to 1996. Served occasionally as an usher. I retired from the NYC Department of Transportation after 16 years of service, and relocated to West Palm Beach, Florida where I worshiped regularly at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, West Palm Beach. A job relocation brought me to North Port.

Nominee Statement: At the Southwest Florida diocesan level, I am presently a member of the Risk Management Team assisting parishes in maintaining their buildings and grounds to comply with Church Insurance guidelines. At St. Nathaniel’s Episcopal Church I have, and am still, serving on several ministries such as: a) Past President of the Men Action Group or MAG. b) Finance Committee c) Vestry, three terms, and now am on my fourth d) Junior Warden for three years e) Property steward to oversee to the maintenance of the building and grounds. f) Search Committee for a priest for St. Nathaniel’s. g) Active Lay Eucharistic Minister i) Involved in the outreach program. If elected to the Standing Committee, I will focus my interest on the responsibilities of my position, and that includes confidentiality. Election B: Standing Committee, Presbyters Elect three presbyters. Elect two presbyters to a three-year term. Elect one presbyter to fill an unexpired two-year term.

The Very Rev. Carla McCook St. Margaret of Scotland, Sarasota

Biography: I am a native Floridian; born in St. Petersburg. I graduated from Flagler College with a B.A. in Elementary & Deaf Education. While in college I met and married my husband of 26 years, Shane McCook. We have three children, a son and two daughters. I graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2004 and have been ordained sixteen years. I served as Assistant Rector, St. Paul’s, Salem, VA; Rector of St. Thomas of Canterbury, Greendale, WI and Bishop’s Assistant for Christian Formation, Director of the Diaconal Formation School and Camp Director of the Diocese of Milwaukee, WI. In February 2016 I began my current ministry at St. Margaret of Scotland where I am Rector. I am a graduate of the Education for Ministry from University of the South School of Theology. My hobbies include yoga, mystery novels, knitting and spending time with family.

Nominee Statement: I am a strong believer in the ministry of the diocese and I want to be an active participant in the life of our diocese. I know from experience that serving on a committee like the Standing Committee gives insight into the diverse ministries, assets, and needs of the diocese in which we live and serve. As a parish priest, I served as Second Vice President and then Vice President of the Episcopal Conference of the Deaf; two years as Secretary and two years as President of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Milwaukee; and as diocesan staff I served on the Executive Committee for five years in the Diocese of Milwaukee. I am the Dean of the Manasota deanery. I have served the last three years on the Standing Committee, and currently serve as liaison to the Commission on Ministry.

The Rev. Michelle Robertshaw St. Andrew, Boca Grande

Biography: I am the rector of St. Andrew’s parish in Boca Grande. St. Andrew’s is one of seven churches that comprise the Venice deanery. Born and raised in Tampa, I am a child of the diocese - shaped and formed by many great priests - male and female. Following seminary I was accepted into a Lilly Grant for Leadership Development program called The First Three Years that augmented my theological education with a further three years of Leadership study that included principles from Harvard Business School, Hay 360 Emotional Intelligence Training, and a variety of other sources. I have served four parishes within the diocese: St. Mary’s, Tampa; St. Boniface, Siesta Key; St. Mary Magdalene, Lakewood Ranch and St. Andrew’s, Boca Grande. And one outside the diocese: Holy Family in Chapel Hill, NC. These are parishes of varying size, configuration and theological practice. This diversity has led me to value the need to listen first and foremost with an open heart and mind - and to be attentive to the voice of the Spirit in all things.

Nominee Statement: I am the rector of St. Andrew’s parish in Boca Grande. St. Andrew’s is one of seven churches that comprise the Venice deanery. Born and raised in Tampa, I am a child of the diocese. My 23 years serving on church staffs (17 as a priest – 6 of these in the Diocese of NC, 11 in this diocese) provide me with an understanding of the diverse ways we are called by the Spirit into community and the importance of engaging others in this ministry. I am grounded in pastoral ministry and theology, possess a knowledge of the Canons and my past experience serving on Diocesan Council and a variety of other committees within the Dioceses and without have equipped me to serve. I recognize serving on the Standing Committee is an honor that requires a considerable time commitment.

The Rev. James Teets St. Mary, Dade City

Biography: Father Teets began his pastoral leadership of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dade City in December 2019. Father Jim graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from the School of Theology at the University of the South in 2017, Sewanee and was ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests on June 3, 2017 at Trinity Cathedral in Miami. He, his wife Sharon, and their chocolate lab, Shamus, are excited to be back in Florida after a two-year call in Murfreesboro, TN. Jim and Sharon have two grown sons, Casey and Crawford. Teets is a Florida native and grew up in the western Palm Beach County agricultural area of south Florida. Prior to entering seminary, he spent 10 years as a teacher and Head of School at a private school in the Glades where he taught Physics, Chemistry, and Environmental Science. Most recently, he created his own business and provided concierge accounting services to businesses and individuals in south Florida. This business provided an excellent avenue for the accounting and management skills that he developed at Stetson University, where he earned a B.B.A. Father Jim, a cradle Episcopalian, has been a life-long servant of the Church. Through the power of the Holy Spirit working in his life, he models his deep love for Jesus Christ in his devoted ministry to others. Jim and Sharon feel a calling by God to spread the Good News and model a Christ-centered life to their new church. They were drawn to the open, loving, and enthusiastic community of faith at St. Mary’s and look forward to helping them make new and enduring disciples for Christ through worship, education, and local missional outreach.

Nominee Statement: I have always believed that it is important for active Christian members to participate in the Church not only at a parish level but on a Diocesan level as well. There is such a wealth of talented individuals in our Diocese. Taking the opportunity to connect with these members and make new friends in the Diocese has always given me new insight into and valuable resources to deal with the common issues that we all face. These connections have helped to build vital partnerships and life-long friendships that help me to understand the needs of the Diocese on a more comprehensive level. As a lay member in the Diocese of Southeast Florida, I served for more than 20 years as a vestry member and parish treasurer in several different churches. In addition, my wife and I served two terms as convention delegates to the Diocese and attended Deanery convocations. This service gave me valuable insight into how Church governance works and the often-sensitive issues the Church faces on a daily basis. Upon my ordination to the priesthood and subsequent appointment as the Vicar of Holy Cross Church in Murfreesboro, TN, I served a two-year term as a clergy representative and Secretary of the Bishop and Council (the Bishop’s Vestry) and was a Spiritual Director and board member of the Cursillo Commission of the Diocese. My life experience as a CFO, teacher, and Head of School has given me valuable real-world experience in dealing with difficult issues and resolving challenging problems of all varieties. That diverse, life-long experience has helped me to form the reasoning skills and patient judgement that would make me an immediate asset to the Standing Committee.

Election C: Diocesan Council, Clergy Elect one clergy to a two-year, at-large term.

Election D: Disciplinary Board, Lay Elect one lay person to a three-year term.

The Rev. Edward F. P. Gibbons St. Monica, Naples

Biography: Fr. Eddie Gibbons, originally from Ireland, trained for the Priesthood in the Roman Catholic community at All Hallows Seminary, Dublin. He was ordained to the diaconate on June 6, 1997, and to the Priesthood on October 18, 1997. Having been received into the Episcopal Church on February 15, 2015, Fr. Eddie and his wife Alicia were married at St. Hilary Episcopal Church in Ft. Myers on May 30, 2015. He has a B.A in Theology and Philosophy from All Hallows Seminary Dublin, a Higher Diploma in Social Policy from University College Dublin and a Masters in Social Work from Trinity College Dublin. Fr. Eddie also recently completed a Certificate of Anglican Studies at Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. He was received as a priest into the Episcopal Church at a service on September 28, 2019. Fr. Eddie most recently served as a Chaplain (Spiritual Care Counselor) at Hope Healthcare/Hospice while also helping out at Good Shepherd, LaBelle and serving as assisting priest at St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Ft. Myers. Currently Fr. Eddie is serving as Priest-in-Charge at St. Monica Episcopal Church in Naples.

Nominee Statement: I have many years of experience in parish ministry and all that this involves from both a pastoral and administrative perspective. For me, it’s important to focus first on our mission as church which ultimately leads into our ministry and then of course addressing the stewardship aspect of both. Personally, I enjoy being involved in the wider church community. I am currently involved with diocesan life while serving as a member of the Commission on Ministry as a liaison for those who are in the discernment process. As a minister of the Gospel, both pastoral care and pastoral presence, for me, are modeled on that of Jesus in the Scriptures. I believe that ongoing formation for all is of vital importance and so programs provided throughout our diocese are extremely important in this aspect. During these days of physical distancing we are reminded that the church exists outside of the walls of our church buildings. As church, together we continue to discern and listen to God’s Will and Vision for us while entering into prayerful conversation with one another. I believe that having a spirit of openness in mind and heart allows us to grow into our calling as church and I will bring such an openness to Diocesan Council should I be called to serve in this capacity.

Mrs. Glenna Hileman St. Stephen, New Port Richey

Biography: Reared on a farm in Middle Tennessee, I’ve lived in Florida, Texas, Georgia and back to Florida. I completed my BS in Public Administration from UT/ Dallas while living there. I am widowed, have two sons and a granddaughter (the Princess, your future Queen). I am semi-retired from many years as an entrepreneur in Regional Sales Management, more recently, been the Director of a not-for-profit Senior Center, then a Project Manager for the West Pasco Pregnancy Center and am currently CEO of a small Specialty Catering Company.

Nominee Statement: I am a long time member of St. Stephen’s (20+ years) and have served as Vestry Member and Senior Warden and as the Financial Manager for many years. At the Diocesan level, I served on the Standing Committee and on the Constitutions and Canons Committee and have been multi-year delegate to Annual Convention. As a retiring member of the Constitution and Canons Committee, it was suggested this position is a natural segue from that committee. I feel strongly the lay members of our wonderful churches need a voice in the regulatory side of management for church affairs and I would vow to bring management experience, listening and decision making skills to this position. I have worked with clergy on other committees. I respect their viewpoints and they have also respected mine. We have always had a collegial relationship. I think I would be an asset to this board and I am pleased to be considered.

L o v e Y o u r N e i g h b o r t h e L o s t S e e k T N e i g h b o r S e e k r L o v e Y o u e L o s t

Election E: Disciplinary Board, Clergy Elect two. One clergy to a three-year term, one clergy to an unexpired term.

The Rev. Barry Kubler St. Peter, Plant City

Biography: Known by his parishioners as ‘Father Barry,’ the Rev. Barry Kubler is what is often called a ‘second vocation priest’ - someone who is called to the ordained ministry in their middle age years. Fr. Barry, and his wife Vonceal, raised their two daughters in Plant City, and were members of St. Peter’s from the early 1980’s. Before attending seminary in his 40’s, Fr. Barry enjoyed what he calls a rather ‘checkered career.’ He was an infantry officer in the United States Army, serving two tours in Vietnam. He has a sales, marketing and administrative background in several product and service industries. After his discharge from the Army in 1973, the Kubler’s moved to Tampa, where Vonceal began her career in public education in Hillsborough County and Fr. Barry attended the University of South Florida, graduating in 1976. Prior to attending Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, he served as a vocational deacon at St. Peter’s, a graduate of the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s Diaconate program. Upon graduation from seminary Fr. Barry was rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Hudson, Florida, for seven years. He was then called to be rector of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Southport, North Carolina. He was their rector for ten years, retiring from full time ministry in 2014. Upon retirement, Fr. Barry and Vonceal moved to Woodstock, Georgia, to be closer to their oldest daughter, Heidi. While there, Fr. Barry served as a part-time Priest Associate at St. David’s Episcopal Church, a large, 2,000 member, corporate sized church, in Roswell, Georgia. The Kubler’s returned ‘home’ to Florida in 2018, just in time for Fr. Barry to serve St. Peter’s as supply priest during their transition to a new rector.

Nominee Statement: Title IV (Ecclesiastical Discipline) of the Constitution & Canons of The Episcopal Church recognizes our Christian accountability by virtue of our Baptism. As baptized members of Christ’s Church we are to support one another by resolving conflicts through healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation. As a priest I pledged to do just that as part of my ordination vows. I firmly believe that in any act of Christian discipline, justice and mercy must work together. As a deacon and priest I offer the Disciplinary Board a broad range of experience, having served the Church as a rector, Dean, Deputy to General Convention, member of Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Finance Committee, and on several ad hoc committees/commissions.

The Rev. Kevin Warner St. John the Divine, Sun City Center

Biography: Before seminary I was a high school teacher and coach. I am a graduate of Virginia Theological Seminary and have served the church as a parish priest since 1985. Stops have included Upper South Carolina, Michigan, San Diego and now Southwest Florida. Having given up my dream to be a scuba diver for Jacques Cousteau, I am very fulfilled working in parishes, helping them thrive and achieve God’s vision for their community. I am married to my wife of 37 years, Susan. We have four sons, two grandsons, and a cat. I enjoy all things in, on, or under the water and an occasional round of golf.

Nominee Statement: This last year I have served as President of the Disciplinary Board committee and would be honored to serve another year in any capacity. I have a great deal of experience in Title IV proceedings and its use through the 3+ decades I have served as a priest in 4 different dioceses. From friends, field work rector, and two other rectors I either served with or followed in parishes, I have seen up close the Canon applied in a variety of settings with a variety of outcomes. Past service at the Diocesan level has included Executive Council; Commission on Ministry, Chair; Constitution and Canons Committee; Dean, Capitol-area Convocation (MI); Summer Camp Chaplain; Clergy Conference Planning Committee; SD for multiple Happenings, Vocarés and Cursillos; Stewardship and Church Growth Consultant; Vestry Retreat Leader; adjunct faculty at Virginia Theological Seminary on behalf of ACTS29.

Nominations for Diocesan Offices

Nominations were formally submitted through the Nominating Committee. Nominations printed here were submitted before the August 2020 deadline.

Take time to study the candidates and their qualifications and give prayerful consideration in determining whom you will choose to do the work of the diocese in the years to come.

Election F: University of the South Trustee Elect one (1) lay person to a three-year term.

Mr. Jeffery L. Patenaude St. John, Tampa

Biography: Mr. Patenaude received his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology, magna cum laude, from Sewanee in 2006, and his law degree, magna cum laude, from the Florida State University College of Law in 2009. Mr. Patenaude has served as a lay member of the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Diocese of Southwest Florida since 2018. While at Sewanee, Mr. Patenaude participated in many extracurricular activities, including varsity football, residential life staff, and the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity (as both community service chair and vice president). In addition, he worked in the Sewanee Admissions Office as an interviewer and was appointed to serve on Sewanee’s Senior Alumni Leadership Council. Mr. Patenaude’s wife, Amy, is also a 2006 Sewanee graduate.

Professionally, Mr. Patenaude is a member of the Florida Bar and the Association of Corporate Counsel. He has been previously recognized as one of Florida’s “Up and Comers” by Florida Trend magazine, a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine, and a top lawyer in the field of labor and employment law by Tampa Bay Magazine. Mr. Patenaude enjoys playing and listening to music as well as spending time with his two children (Heath and Edie) and his two dogs.

Nominee Statement: As a Sewanee alumnus, it has been an honor to serve as a lay member of the Board for the last three years. Among other things, I very much enjoyed having played a part in the election of a new Vice Chancellor this year. In, addition I enjoyed serving on the Board of Trustees’ Constitution and Ordinances committee.

As set forth in my biography, I was heavily involved with Sewanee as a student and my involvement has continued since graduating in 2006. Among other things, I regularly attend Sewanee alumni events and meet with prospective Sewanee students. Most recently, I spent the Fourth of July in Sewanee with my wife (also a Sewanee alumnus) and can report that it remains a remarkable place. I very much consider myself to be an ambassador of Sewanee.

In short, Sewanee is a very special place to me and my family, and I would be honored to serve for another three-year term on its Board of Trustees.

Elections in 2020

Below are the six elections to be held at the 52nd Annual Convention:

Election A: Standing Committee, Lay, Elect two (2)

Election B: Standing Committee, Presbyters, Elect three (3)

Election C: Diocesan Council, At large, Clergy, Elect one (1) to a two-year term

Election D: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Lay, Elect one (1)

Election E: Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, Clergy, Elect two (2)

Election F: University of the South Trustee, Lay, Elect one (1)