3 minute read
Meet Fred Staley
Tennessee native served in a similar role at Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach
By Sarah Bartenstein
In early November, Fred E. Staley Jr. arrived at St. Stephen’s to serve as executive director of church operations. Fred had served in a similar role for the Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, since 2013.
During the interim period at St. Stephen’s when we were between rectors, parish leaders identified a need for a director of operations to manage financial, facilities, administrative, and human resource matters, while the vicar manages programmatic, sacramental, and pastoral areas of our parish life, at the direction of the rector. While Mike Koschak ably filled the role on an interim basis, a search began, culminating in the call of Fred Staley by our rector, John Rohrs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Fred to the staff,” said John. “His management expertise, experience in the Episcopal Church, and gentle, steady demeanor will be a real gift to the life of St. Stephen’s. Everyone who met him was excited about the possibility of Fred joining us and helping usher in a new era of vitality and collaborative ministry.”
As associate for administration at Bethesda-by-the-Sea, Fred functioned as chief operating officer for a parish whose budget is comparable to St. Stephen’s. He managed 20 full-time and eight part-time staff, as well as volunteers, and has overseen maintenance of the physical plant. Bethesda-by-the-Sea also has one of the nation’s leading retail thrift shops with more than $1 million in annual sales.
His previous experience includes serving as business manager for a Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and administrative and financial management positions in secular settings, including his family’s business, Staley Marble & Granite in Knoxville.
He is active in several church-related professional networks, including the Episcopal Parish Network (formerly the Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes), to which St. Stephen’s belongs. Fred serves on their board and is assistant treasurer. Fred graduated cum laude from King College in Bristol, Tennessee, and holds an MBA from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee.
Fred’s wife, Debbie, works from home as a health and life insurance agent, a freelance editor, a writing coach, and is herself an award-winning author. Fred and Debbie have one son, Ethan, who lives with his wife Shelby in Nashville. Fred and Debbie are also parents to two precious dachshunds, Buster and Phillie, who was named for Fred’s beloved Philadelphia Phillies, who made it to the World Series this year!
Fred says, “I never expected to leave Bethesda-by-the-Sea but God’s call for me to come to St. Stephen’s was strong and clear. I am excited to get to know St. Stephen’s, the place, and especially the people. I look forward to working with the parish as we achieve the vision of the future under the leadership of John Rohrs.”
The Rev. Canon James Harlan served as rector of Bethesdaby-the-Sea before being called to serve on the bishop’s staff in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. He says, “Fred Staley brings to his work an uncommon combination of extensive business experience, thorough knowledge of church accounting and financial standards, a wise and caring touch in personnel matters, a pastoral heart, and a love of Jesus.”
Canon Harlan notes, “Even though he didn’t grow up Episcopalian, his appreciation of our tradition enables him to help other church leaders see the challenges and opportunities in our distinctive mission. Fred understands his work in church administration as much as a calling from God as any ordained person sees their work. He can integrate pastoral, theological, and administrative perspectives to enable the most effective planning and implementation of ministries.
“I believe all our clergy and other staff were better able to carry out their ministries with Fred’s sharing in leadership, and I was and still am a better priest and Christian for his collegiality and friendship. I’m excited that St. Stephen’s gets to benefit from Fred’s ministry in this new season of leadership.” ✤ Sarah Bartenstein is director of communications for St. Stephen’s Church and the editor of Seasons of the Spirit.
