82nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church

Phoenix, Arizona on July 3-8, 2027

Phoenix Convention Center

The time has come for the Diocese of East Carolina to elect its deputies and alternate deputies for The 82nd General Convention, to take place in Phoenix, Arizona in the summer of 2027. The Canons of our Diocese provide for this election to take place at our Annual Convention in the year before General Convention, which would be this coming November. However General Convention has rules requiring deputies and alternates to have been elected no later than one year before the start of General Convention, which means we cannot wait that long! Our thanks to the Rev. Paul Canady for having brought this discrepancy to our attention.

The election of deputies and alternates will therefore need to be completed by members of our Executive Council, who have the authority to do so between meetings of our Diocesan Convention. We are, therefore, soliciting nominations from across the Diocese of East Carolina, to be submitted by midnight on Monday, April 13, 2026. The election will take place during the meeting of the Executive Council on Thursday, April 16th, during our annual retreat at Trinity Center.

We will elect four clerical deputies, who must be priests or deacons canonically resident in the Diocese of East Carolina, and four lay deputies, who shall be confirmed communicants in good standing and “having domicile” in the Diocese of East Carolina. Additionally, we are entitled to elect four alternate clerical deputies and four alternate lay deputies, subject to the same qualifications. In each group, the four individuals receiving the most votes will be elected as the deputies and the next four highest will be elected as the alternate deputies. An announcement of the election results will be shared with the nominees first, and then shared publicly with members of the diocese.

Any member of the Diocese of East Carolina is welcome to nominate a qualified individual for election as deputy. Alternatively, qualified individuals are welcome to nominate themselves for election. The form which follows should be used to submit nominations before midnight on Monday, April 13th.

As nominations are received, they will be posted on this page.

Those who are interested in learning more about General Convention and considering the possibility of nomination for election as a deputy, are invited to visit the House of Deputies Website for more information. Those to be nominated must be able to be in Phoenix for orientation and preparation on July 1st and 2nd, and for General Convention itself which will begin on July 3rd and end on July 8th. Travel and accommodation will be provided at the expense of the Diocese of East Carolina.

Questions should be directed by email to the Office of the Bishop.

The deadline for nominations has passed, and the form has been closed. You can see the full roster of nominations below!

Tyrone Francis Sr.
St. Joseph’s, Fayetteville
Self-Nomination

“I am honored to nominate Tyrone Francis Sr. as a Delegate to the Convention. A dedicated leader at St. Joseph Episcopal Church, Tyrone has served as Senior Warden for nine years, providing steady lay leadership and partnering closely with clergy to navigate the parish’s mission and operations. His commitment to the wider church is evidenced by his eight years of service on the Racial Healing Commission, where he has been a consistent voice for equity, reconciliation, and the pursuit of the Beloved Community. Tyrone’s deep institutional knowledge and his long-term dedication to justice make him an invaluable representative for our community at the diocesan level.”

Parish Positions Held: Senior Warden
Diocesan Positions Held: Chair Person of Racial Healing Commission

Hannah Hutchens
Christ Church, New Bern
Nominated by: The Rev. Paul Canady

“Being called to ministry means finding ways to include and make room for all people. Going to General Convention in 2024 opened me to the breadth of work that the Episcopal Church is doing on the National level. I was able to be apart of conversations about what we are doing as the Episcopal Church to uphold our baptismal covenant. General Convention highlights the joy of the church meeting governance and is amazing to witness. I feel called to uphold the voices of all God’s people, especially youth voices, and hope to do this at General Convention.

I grew up in the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. Throughout college and after graduation I worked at Camp Trinity and continue to volunteer and coordinate some diocesan youth events. Coordinating diocesan youth events and helping cultivate leadership in our youth is truly such a joy. Working at Christ Church in New Bern has been a huge blessing in my life. The work and ministry I get to do here inspires me to continue to do the work of the church. If selected as a lay deputy I would, with God’s help, hold this responsibility with prayer and an open heart.”

Parish Positions Held: Director of Christian Formation 2024-Current (Christ Church, New Bern), Director of Youth Formation 2022- 2024 (St. Paul’s, Greenville), Director of Youth and Community Engagement 2018-2021 (Memorial, Baltimore)
Diocesan Positions Held: Commission on Ministry Lay Member 2023-Current, Fall Conference Coordinator 2021-Current, East Carolina Youth Council Adult Volunteer 2014-2017, 2023-Current, Provence IV Network Meeting Adult 2022- Current, Winter Retreat Co-Coordinator 2023-2025, Camp Trinity Assistant Director 2017,2022-2024, Interim Campus Minister 2023-2024, Interim Youth Missioner Diocese of Maryland 2020-2021, Episcopal Service Corps, Baltimore 2017-2018, New Beginnings Co-Coordinator 2014-2017
National Positions Held: General Convention Lay Deputy 2024

Juniper LaNunziata
St. Paul’s, Greenville
Nominated by: The Rev. Josiah Daniels

For the last decade, Juniper’s ministry has largely been defined by Christian formation – first as Director of Christian Formation at St. Paul’s Greenville, and now as Campus Minister for The Well, as well as through various local and national projects. They love our peculiar Church and our connection to the ancient roots of our faith, made new and relevant in every generation.

While describing their understanding of church governance, they wrote, “The governance of the national church is an interesting example of our baptismal theology lived out. Our unique polity binds us to one another, neither hierarchical or congregational, but in balance. I’m a seminarian at CDSP, and this semester as we read the Constitution and Canons together, I found the experience to be a fascinating exploration of how we live out the commitments we make to God and one another.”

As deputy, they will seek to represent the needs of our diocese and of the wider world. They will undoubtedly prioritize the concerns of children and youth, who do not get to vote for the things that they need. They are eager to be an active participant in shaping the future of our Church, contributing to the hard work of legislation, listening to the voices of the wider church, and bringing a renewed vision of the future home to our Diocese.

Parish Positions Held: Director of Christian Formation, Director of Communications, various and sundry committees
Diocesan Positions Held: Campus Minister–The Well Campus Ministries; Postulant for Holy Orders
National Positions Held: Consulted for and led classes/workshops for Forma, the Network for Christian Formation, center for Lifelong Christian Formation at Virginia Theological Seminary

The Rev. Paul Canady
Christ Church, New Bern
Nominated by: Hannah Hutchens

“As a priest, I gladly accept the call to take my “share in the councils of the church.” It’s an honor and a joy to exercise that role as a Deputy to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. The ministry of governance isn’t always the most glamorous or noteworthy, but so much happens in the background that shows us how the Holy Spirit is leading us. Moments of hope, reconciliation, and fresh starts are all chances to see God’s hand at work in the world about us.

General Convention shows off the breadth and depth of The Episcopal Church. Being a Deputy to General Convention is the opportunity to represent the ways the Diocese of East Carolina is the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus. I love sharing those stories whenever I get the chance! During previous General Conventions, I loved being able to coordinate our regular reports back to the Diocese via social media outlets! It was a great way to connect what was happening there to life in East Carolina!

It’s an honor to represent this diocese at each General Convention, and I would be honored to serve again.”

Parish Positions Held: Rector (Christ Church, New Bern, 2015-present), Associate Rector (Christ Church, New Bern, 2009-), Interim Director of Youth Ministries (St. John’s, Ellicot City, MD 2002), Director of Youth Ministries (St. George’s, Germantown, TN 1998-2002)
Diocesan Positions Held: Standing Committee, 2025 to Present, 2016 – 2018, General Convention Deputy (Deputation Chair), 2018, 2022, 2024, Camp Trinity Session Leader 2011 – 2019, 2023-2026, Clergy Conference Planning Team, 2017 and 2025, Spiritual Director for New Beginnings 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, Chaplain for Fall Youth Conference 2010, 2011, 2022, Trinity Center Board of Managers 2015-2019, Bishop’s Search Transition Committee; Communication Team Chair 2013-2014, Convention Workshop: Social media tools for the parish 2013, Title IV Disciplinary Board 2011 – 2021, Commission on Ministry 2011 – 2015, Dominican Republic Mission Exploration Team 2011, Spiritual Director for Happening 2010; Diocese of Washington (DC) – Deputy for Youth Ministry 2002-2008; Diocese of West Tennessee – Diocesan Youth Council 1999-2002 (Chair 2001-2002)
National Positions Held: Assistant Secretary, House of Deputies Committee on the Confirmation of the Election of a Presiding Bishop 2024, Chair, House of Deputies Task Force on Membership in the Episcopal Church 2023-2024, Secretary, House of Deputies Committee on Congregational Vitality 2021-2022, Member, House of Deputies State of the Church Committee 2018-2022, Member, House of Deputies Committee on Title IV & Clergy Discipline 2018

The Rev. Josiah Daniels
St. Paul’s, Greenville
Nominated by: The Rev. Nathan Finnin

I believe Josiah would bring real gifts to the role of General Convention delegate. He’s deeply committed to making sure the concerns of our Diocese are heard in the national church. I believe he wouldn’t just show up, but listen, reflect, and speak with integrity on behalf of our congregations, making sure our voices are represented with care and thoughtfulness. That kind of commitment matters, especially in a setting where decisions affect the whole Church.

Josiah is also an empathetic listener. He can hold difficult and even competing truths in tension without rushing to judgment or forcing a false compromise. In a Convention full of diverse perspectives and strong convictions, that ability to listen, understand, navigate complexity, all while holding room for the Spirit is rare, and it’s exactly what we need to have honest, faithful conversations within the church.

Above all, Josiah believes in this Church. He understands the vocation we share as Anglicans: to practice communion in the midst of conflict and difference. He carries that belief not as a talking point, but as a way of engaging with people, even when conversations are hard or messy. Above all he would center mission, relationships, and our shared life in Christ on behalf of all of us. For all of these reasons, I am confident that Josiah Daniel would serve the Diocese of East Carolina and the wider Church faithfully, thoughtfully, and with integrity.

Parish Positions Held: Associate Rector (St. Paul’s Greenville), Associate Rector (St. Paul’s Philadelphia)
Diocesan Positions Held: Executive Council, At-Large Clergy Member, Commission on Ministry

The Rev. Tambria (Tammy) Elizabeth Lee
St. Paul’s, Beaufort
Nominated by: Tess Judge

Tammy loves the work of church governance. She knows the importance of the decisions that are made at General Convention, and how important it is to have them reflect who sits in our pews literally and virtually, who longs to be, and who has been left out “through things done and left undone.” Her favorite statement about the church is that “EVERYONE has a place at God’s table” and feels passionately that we must listen carefully to all those voices. That means not just the loudest or the most extreme, but almost always those with whom we disagree. The “still small voice of God” speaks through our “Towers of Babel” wherever they may be. Our job as delegates is to do our best to listen to the movement of the Holy Spirit and take our next most faithful steps as a church. She would welcome the opportunity to move more deeply into the work of governance and consider it the honor it is to represent the good people of this diocese. I have served with her twice as a delegate and I find her to be open and non reactive, thoughtful about issues and always asking how we will convey our work and share that work with our people at home who have entrusted us with this sacred task.

Parish Positions Held: Rector St Paul’s Beaufort, NC 2019- Present, Associate for University Ministry: Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC 2010-2018, Associate for Parish Ministry: Chapel of the Cross. Chapel Hill, NC 1993-2009
Diocesan Positions Held: Bishop’s Search Committee (2025), Executive Council (2019-present), Disciplinary Board (2019 -present), (President 2025-present), General Convention Delegate (2022 & 2024), Co-Dean of the Trinity Deanery (2022-present) Diocesan Finance Committee (2023-present)
National Positions Held: Executive Council (2019-present), Delegate to General Convention (2022 and 2024), Bishop’s Search Committee (2025), Disciplinary Board* (2019-present, *president currently), Co Dean Trinity Deanery (2023-present), Finance Committee (2023- present), Youth and Young Adult Missioner UNC/Chapel Hill (2010-2018)

The Rev. Matt Overturf
St. Anne’s, Jacksonville
Nominated by: Jeremy Fiebig

Father Matt is a deeply pastoral, thoughtful new priest in our diocese. He would bring a steady, thoughtful presence to General Convention. He’s someone who pays attention, thinks clearly, and speaks in a way people can hear.
Before ordination, Matt spent 12 years teaching at the high school and college levels. That shows up in how he engages the Church’s work. He knows how to sit with complexity and help people move toward understanding without forcing quick conclusions. In a space like General Convention, where the work is often especially relational and layered, he’ll be an asset.
His formation at Virginia Theological Seminary, including a concentration in New Mission Practices, reflects a real investment in the Church’s future. He is attentive to how ministry is changing and how we respond faithfully. He brings both theological depth and a willingness to engage what is emerging.
As Rector of St. Anne’s and a member of the Commission on Ministry (and a former parishioner at St. John’s Fayetteville), he is already working at both the parish and diocesan level. He understands the realities of congregational life and is participating in the discernment and formation of clergy.
Matt listens well. He reflects before he speaks.

Parish Positions Held: Rector, St. Anne’s Jacksonville
Diocesan Positions Held: Commission on Ministry, Cursillo Weekend Spiritual Advisor

Teresa (Tess) Judge
All Saints, Southern Shores
Nominated by: Robert Riche

Tess Judge is a sterling example of a faithful Episcopalian serving both the church and her community. She is knowledgeable in Scripture, respectful of tradition, and the epitome of reason. Tess has held a wide variety of leadership positions at the Parish, Diocese, and national level for over two decades. Tess is equally committed to the community, whether it be on the Board of the local hospital, the Board of the largest charity on the Outer Banks, or the North Carolina Transportation Committee. The Diocese of East Carolina could find no better Lay Deputy to represent them at the General Convention than Tess Judge.

Parish Positions Held: Finance Chair, Treasurer (Current), Senior Warden (2 times), Junior Warden (2 times), Building Committee Co-Chair (2 times)
Diocesan Positions Held: Treasurer (Current), Standing Committee (2 times), Executive Council, Insurance Committee, Clergy Compensation Committee, Transition Committee (2 times)
National Positions Held: Joint Budget Committee (Current), Audit Committee (Current Chair), Executive Council (2012-2018), Finance for Mission Chair (2015-2018), Chair Committee to Confirm Election of Presiding Bishop 2024 General Convention, Programs, Budget, and Finance (3 terms), Deputy to General Convention

Tom Tully
St. James, Wilmington
Nominated by: The Rev. Phillip Craig, Jr.

For over nine years Tom Tully has been a faithful, engaging and thoughtful participant in the mission and vision of St. James Parish and beyond. With a wise perspective, Tom has a care and concern for the efficient operations and valuable ministry of the larger church. His blend of hard work, integrity and compassion informs his engagement. He has demonstrated a flexibility of tremendous support, from setting up tables for parish dinners to serving as a delegate at the 81st General Convention. In short, Tom loves being a present and reliable member of our Episcopal Church.

Tom’s professional experience and acumen would bring great value to the Diocesan cohort to the 82nd General Convention. His skill sets include ease of understanding around the logistics of large organizations, from spreadsheets to systems management. His deep faith and desire to serve the Church, though, would compliment his participation in the complicated endeavors of General Convention.

Prior to his move to Wilmington (and St. James), Tom was actively involved at All Saints Church in Atlanta. While he has great experience working within larger churches, he cares deeply for the needs and concerns of all parishes and institutions of our diocese.

Tom has a good heart, and a desire to serve. His skills and faith would be of great assistance and he would be a terrific ambassador for the Diocese of East Carolina.

Parish Positions Held: Elected Parish Delegate to Diocesan Convention (twice), Capital Campaign Leadership Team, Facilities Committee (Buildings and Grounds), Member of the St. James Choir, Lector, Ministry Support for Outreach, Ministry Support for Youth Programs
Diocesan Positions Held: Standing Committee
National Positions Held: Global Mission Advocates Network for the Standing Commission on World Mission

The Rev. Caleb J. Lee
St. Paul’s Wilmington
Nominated by: Barbara Ellington Banks

Rev. Lee began his tenure at St. Paul’s in August 2021 while COVID controlled our gatherings. Notwithstanding, Fr. Lee recognized unique characteristics of the congregation and community, ministering to the core leadership and key members to revitalize an aging but deeply committed community. Despite St. Paul’s history, including a caretaker Rector who provided healing and guidance on their future and the relatively early departure of a well loved Rector, Fr. Lee ably developed a strategy for continued healing, including worship services filled with joy and spirituality.

St. Paul’s growth has continued to a current ASA of 230 in 2025. God’s presence is clearly working in and through St. Paul’s. In this year’s Easter homily, Fr. Lee inspired the congregation of over 300 with his vision for a robust Eastertide as we spring into renovations and revitalization. He introduced our new vision of Worship, Welcome and Witness to guide us through the incoming program year.

Under Fr. Lee’s leadership and management, the outreach and music programs have expanded increasing the need for full time professional staff. Working across 2 vestries, Fr. Lee defined staffing needs, worked with professionals within the congregation and successfully filled all our staffing requirements.

Fr. Lee fully demonstrates the characteristics required for a Delegate to General Convention. He is deeply spiritual and enthusiastic about Church doctrine as demonstrated both in the growth of St. Paul’s and in putting himself forward in a recent Bishop search process. His understanding of Church leadership and doctrine was greatly expanded and tested during this process.

Parish Positions Held: Rector, St. Paul’s, Wilmington, NC (8/2021 – present), Canon Precentor(2018-2021)/Canon for Worship and Parish Life(2016)/ Priest Associate(2014): Grace Church Cathedral Charleston, SC (2014 – 2021), Associate Rector: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Beaufort, NC (2012- 2014), Interim Episcopal Campus Minister at UNC-Wilmington: Diocese of East Carolina (2008 – 2009), Parish Intern: St. James Parish, Wilmington, NC (2007 – 2009)
Diocesan Positions Held: Diocese of East Carolina (2021 – present) – Commission on Ministry (2022 to present), Standing Committee (2023 – 2025), Deputy to General Convention (2024), Spiritual Director for Happening; Diocese of South Carolina 2014 – 2021 – Standing Committee (President), Diocesan Council, Liturgical Commission, Chaplain to The College of Charleston and Citadel, Spiritual Director for Happening, and elected Clergy Delegate to General Convention 2021; Diocese of East Carolina (2012 – 2014) – Trinity Center Board of Managers, Spiritual Director for Happening, Elections Committee.
National Positions Held: Deputy to General Convention 2024

Joan Geiszler-Ludlum
Church of the Servant, Wilmington
Self-Nomination

Serving as Chancellor of this Diocese is my calling and ministry, exemplifying my faith in action. From parish and Diocesan governing bodies through General Convention legislative committees, interim working groups, and task forces, I bring deeper understandings of the needs and aspirations of parishes, dioceses and the wider church to remain relevant in a fast-changing and challenging world. My purpose remains adjusting the guardrails for the changes andadjustments necessary to meet those needs and achieve those aspirations.

Parish Positions Held: Senior Warden, Vestry Member 2 terms; Finance Committee; Eucharistic Minister; Choir Member; Delegate to Annual Diocesan Convention
Diocesan Positions Held: Chancellor since 1999; Chair and Member, Committee on Constitution and Canons; Trustee; ex officio member of Executive Council and The Episcopal Foundation of the Diocese of East Carolina Inc,
National Positions Held: Deputy to General Convention 2003-2024; Member, The Blessings Project, 2010-2012; Chair and Vice Chair, Marriage Task Force 2012-2018; Member, Legislative Committee on Structure 2006-2009; Member, Legislative Committee on Constitution and Canons 2009-2012; Member, Legislative Committee on Liturgy 2018-2022; Member, Working Group on Const. Article X Implementation 2024-2027; Member, Board of Directors, Episcopal Chancellors Network, 1999-present, Vice President 2010-2018, President 2018-2024