142nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina
November 14-15, 2025 at the Maxwell Convention Center in Goldsboro, NC
142nd Annual Convention of the Diocese of East Carolina
November 14-15, 2025 at the Maxwell Convention Center in Goldsboro, NC
Nominations Received
We will update this page as we receive nominations for the various positions. Please check back regularly to stay up to date.
Officers of Convention
Tess Judge
Tess Judge
Nominated for: Officer of Convention – Treasurer
Parish: All Saints, Southern Shores
Positions Held in a Parish:
Treasurer
Search Committee
Building Committee Co-Chair (2x)
Senior Warden (2x)
Diocesan Positions Held:
Treasurer
Standing Committee (2x)
Executive Council
General Convention Deputy
National Positions Held:
Finance Chair (2015-2018)
Program Budget and Finance Committee (2015-2022)
Joint Budget Committee (2023-Present)
Joint Audit Committee (Present)
“I am honored to nominate Tess Judge to serve as Treasurer of our Diocese. Tess is a seasoned and trusted lay leader in the parish, across the Diocese, and in the wider Episcopal Church. She combines prayerful discernment with disciplined financial acumen. She can read a balance sheet and a room, and she knows how to turn numbers into ministry.
Tess champions transparent reporting, strong internal controls, timely audits, and budgets that align resources with mission. She communicates financial realities in clear and accessible language, and her collaborative style builds trust with rectors, vestries, and committees. She asks wise questions, listens carefully, and then makes decisions with courage and humility.
With eyes on long-term sustainability, Tess supports multi-year budgeting, prudent reserves, and thoughtful risk management. She understands the diverse needs of congregations, large and small, and she approaches every challenge with compassion, steadiness, and accountability.
In short, Tess will steward our diocesan resources with integrity, competence, and holy common sense. She is committed to building up the Body of Christ and to ensuring that our financial position, present and future, remains sound. I commend her without reservation. ” – Rev. Thomas Drake
Standing Committee
Rev. Paul Canady
Rev. Paul Canady
Nominated for: Standing Committee – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern
Positions Held in a Parish:
Associate Rector of Christ Church 2010-2015,
Rector of Christ Church 2015-present
Diocesan Positions Held:
General Convention Deputy (Deputation Chair)- 2018, 2022, 2024
Standing Committee- 2016-2018
Clergy Conference Planning Team- 2017, 2025
Trinity Center Board of Managers- 2015-2019
Bishop’s Search Transition Committee- (Communication Team Chair)- 2013-2014
Convention Workshop 2013: “Social Media Tools for the Parish”
Camp Trinity Session Leader- 2011-2019, 2023-2025
Title IV Disciplinary Board- 2011-2021
Commission on Ministry- 2011-2015
Dominican Republic Mission Exploration Team 2011
New Beginnings Spiritual Director- 2013-2015, 2017
Fall Conference Chaplain- 2010-2011, 2022
Happening Spiritual Director- 2010
National Positions Held:
House of Deputies Committee on the Confirmation of the Election of a Presiding Bishop, Assisting Secretary- 2024
House of Deputies Task Force on Membership in the Episcopal Church, Chair- 2023-2024
House of Deputies Committee on Congregational Vitality, Secretary- 2021-2022
House of Deputies State of the Church Committee, Member- 2018-2022
House of Deputies Committee on Title IV & Clergy Discipline, Member- 2018
“During “The Examination” in ordination to the priesthood, the bishop tells the ordinand that they are called to “to work as pastor, priest, and teacher, together with your bishop and fellow presbyters, and to take your share in the councils of the Church.” As laity, bishops, priests, and deacons, we are all considered ministers in God’s church, and I would argue that we are all called to take our share in the councils of the Church. As evident in Paul’s extensive involvement in the Diocese of East Carolina and the wider Episcopal Church, Paul has taken his calling to share in the councils of the Church seriously. His leadership experience includes a previous term on the diocese’s Standing Committee and numerous other positions held within the diocese. He has also served on several committees within the wider Episcopal Church in various leadership roles. I believe that Paul would be a wonderful addition to the Standing Committee. ” – Rev. Ashley Simpson
Rev. Jody Greenwood
Rev. Jody Greenwood
Nominated for: Standing Committee – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington
Positions Held in a Parish:
Rector
Diocesan Positions Held:
Standing Committee
Commission on Ministry
Dean – Lower Cape Fear Deanery
Finance Committee
Board of the Episcopal Farmworker Ministry
Supervising Clergy for Postulant Field Placement
National Positions Held:
Episcopal Church General Convention Volunteer
“The role of the Standing Committee is one that ensures that the Episcopal church, both regionally and nationally, has a solid foundation for the faithful work God calls us to do, not only today, but in the future. I was honored to be invited to fill an opening on the Standing Committee that came about this past summer, and in the short time I have served, it would be a further honor to continue in this role for a full term.
My varied leadership roles within this diocese have allowed me to develop deep connections with colleagues and congregations which I think will be a benefit to the Committee. It has also been helpful to have a Standing Committee member who is also serving on the Commission on Ministry, which I serve on now.
As a life-long Episcopalian and having served in this diocese for over 8 years, I welcome the chance to be part of a collaborative team of clergy and lay-leaders, partnering with our new bishop, to ensure the foundation for our mission and ministries can continue to thrive for generations to come. ” – Rev. Michael Singer
Rev. David Wyly
Rev. David Wyly
Nominated for: Standing Committee – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: St. Stephen’s, Goldsboro
Positions Held in a Parish:
Rector
Assistant to Rector
Verger
Vestry
Diocesan Positions Held:
Trinity Center Board of Managers
“Fr. David is a dedicated priest who seeks to see the Church fulfill its vocation of transforming the world. He not only has the skillset of a priest in pastoral care and teaching but has shown to be more than proficient in matters of administration and governance. Fr. David is one who knows how to navigate the fine line between “best business practices” and making sure we stay true to the mission of the Church.” – Rev. Whit Stroud
Tom Tully
Tom Tully
Nominated for: Standing Committee – Lay Member, 3 year term
Parish: St. James, Wilmington
Positions Held in a Parish:
Delegate to Diocesan Convention
Stewardship Committee
Confirmation Leader
Lay Reader
Choir Member
Acolyte Leader
Diocesan Positions Held:
Delegate to General Convention
Annual Convention Delegate
Bishop Appointment to the Global Episcopal Mission Network
National Positions Held:
Delegate to 81st General Convention
Global Episcopal Mission Network
“For seven years Tom Tully has been a faithful, engaging and thoughtful participant in the mission of St. James 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 support, from setting up tables for parish dinners to serving at the 81st General Convention, Tom loves being a present and reliable member of the Episcopal Church.
Tom’s professional experience and acumen would bring value to the work of the Standing Committee. 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 diocesan leadership.
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. That care extends to the support of Trinity Center and the Episcopal Farm Worker Ministry.
Tom has a good heart, and a desire to serve. His skills and faith would be of great assistance to both the Office of the Bishop, and the important work of our Standing Committee. ” – Rev. Phillip Craig
Marc Assad
Marc Assad
Nominated for: Standing Committee – Lay Member, 3 year term
Parish: St. Peter’s by the Sea, Swansboro
Positions Held in a Parish:
Senior Warden
Delegate to Diocesan Convention
Discernment Committee
Finance Committee
Confirmation Mentor
Lay Reader
Eucharistic Minister
Acolyte
Bible Study Leader
Diocesan Positions Held:
Diocese of East Carolina
9th Bishop Search Committee Chair
Diocese of West Virginia
Standing Committee
Constitution and Canons Committee
Trustee
Diocesan Youth Leader
“Marc’s passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ pairs well with his gifts for governance, leadership, service, and listening, making him a great candidate for the Standing Committee. He has a vast knowledge of church governance and structures, with a very solid understanding of church canon. Marc loves the church deeply, and has been a regular cheerleader for people in various types of discernment.
Marc has a special ability to listen to the needs of a group, church, or diocese, and respond to it within reason, with creativity, and with a spark of joy and fun. He was instrumental in helping St. Peter’s bring our bylaws into the current century, and is a trusted advisor to his rector, finance committee, Bible Study, and many other groups within the church. Marc is dependable and deeply committed to whatever he commits to and is called to do. He has served as a member of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of West Virginia, so the work is not new to him. Marc has discerned a call to return to this ministry in our diocese and would be an asset to the Standing Committee in the Diocese of East Carolina. ” – Rev. Michelle Bullock
Executive Council
Rev. Thomas Drake
Rev. Thomas Drake
Nominated for: Executive Council – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: All Saints, Southern Shores
Positions Held in a Parish:
Rector
Diocesan Positions Held:
Coordinator of Small Church Leadership
2025 Search Committee for IX Bishop of The Diocese of East Carolina
“I am pleased to nominate The Reverend Thomas C. Drake IV, Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church , Southern Shoes, to serve on the Executive Council of the Diocese of East Carolina. I first knew Father Drake when he served as a Summer Chaplain on the Outer Banks. Since then I have watched his ministry deepen and widen , from Diocesan House Staff as Coordinator for Small Church Leadership , to Associate Rector at Saint Andrew’s in Nags Head, and now as the Rector of my parish.
Father Drake is a listener and a leader. He invites laity into real partnership, asks wise questions, and follows through with care. He understands the realities and gifts of small congregations, and he also knows the needs of larger parishes, including multi-staff coordination, program ministry , and complex budgeting. He brings this practical knowledge to strategic planning, healthy governance, and mission-aligned stewardship. He communicates clearly, builds trust across differences, and keeps our focus on the Gospel and the common good.
Our diocese needs leaders who can hold shoreline and horizon at once. Father Drake knows the life of the sacristy and the spreadsheet, the altar on Sunday morning and the meeting table on Monday. He is pastoral, transparent and courageous, with a steady commitment to equity, accountability, and the flourishing of every congregation. I commend him without reservation.” – Tess Judge
Rev. Whit Stroud
Rev. Whit Stroud
Nominated for: Executive Council – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: Church of the Holy Trinity, Hertford
Positions Held in a Parish:
Rector
Priest-in-Charge
Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries
Diocesan Positions Held:
Disciplinary Board
Convention Planning Committee
National Positions Held:
Order of Naucratus
“Father Whit is deeply connected to the Diocese of East Carolina and has a strong desire to live fully into his ordination vows by taking his share “in the councils of the Church.” He has a unique perspective regarding the specific needs of congregations around the diocese after serving as a lay and ordained leader in multiple congregations of various sizes in the Diocese of East Carolina. Father Whit is committed to prayerfully discerning God’s will in all aspects of his life and leadership. Father Whit will be an excellent addition to the Executive Council of this diocese.” – Rev. David Wyly
Disciplinary Board
Linda Brinson
Linda Brinson
Nominated for: Disciplinary Board, 3 year term
Parish: All Saints Episcopal Church, Southern Shores
“A native of Madison, N.C., Linda is retired with her husband, Lloyd, in Currituck County. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Wake Forest, she spent a long and distinguished career as a daily newspaper writer and editor, culminating in her appointment as the first woman editorial page editor of the Winston-Salem Journal. She has taught journalism at Wake Forest, UNC-Chapel Hill and Lenoir-Rhyne universities. At the time of their retirement in 2017, the Brinsons left the Southern Baptist faith and joined the Episcopal Church. I have known Linda for nearly 60 years and have a very high regard for her intelligence, judgment and faith.” – David DuBuisson
Rev. Elisa Kirby
Rev. Elisa Kirby
Nominated for: Disciplinary Board – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern
Positions Held in a Parish:
Deacon
Diocesan Positions Held:
Disciplinary Board
Nominations Committee
National Positions Held:
Title IV Court of Review
“Lisa has served on Title IV committees for both the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. She knows the canons and follows them both faithfully and pastorally. ” – Rev. Paul Canady
Natasha Clay
Natasha Clay
N
ominated for: Disciplinary Board – Lay Member, 3 year term
Parish: Church of the Servant, Wilmington
Positions Held in a Parish:
Church of the Servant-
Liturgy Chair
Altar Guild Chair
Eucharistic Minister
Eucharistic Visitor
Vestry Member
Acolyte Leader
St. Alban’s (Diocese of Atlanta)-
Verger
Liturgy Chair
Altar Guild Chair
Eucharistic Minister
Eucharistic Visitor
Vestry Member
Junior Warden
Diocesan Positions Held:
Disciplinary Board (Diocese of East Carolina) since 2024
“Natasha was appointed to the Disciplinary Board in 2024 and has enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about the procedures and standards the diocese uses for investigating complaints of misconduct brought to the board. Through the training process, she was reassured to see that investigations look at all sides of the situation leading to resolution of any complaint submitted. As a Quality Manager in her professional career Natasha is familiar with standards and the expectation of compliance. This expertise, plus her gifts of being an active listener and showing empathy, would continue to complement the work of this ministry. I wholeheartedly nominate her to serve on the Disciplinary Board for our diocese.” – Rev. Jody Greenwood
Ellen Hancox
Ellen Hancox
Nominated for: Disciplinary Board – Lay Member, 3 year term
Parish: Holy Trinity, Fayetteville
Positions Held in a Parish:
Senior Warden
Vestry
Children’s Education
“Ellen is a retired attorney and a lifelong Episcopalian whose professional and spiritual paths have both been guided by a deep commitment to fairness, justice, and integrity. Throughout her career, she earned a reputation for her meticulous understanding of legal frameworks and her ability to apply them with compassion and equity. That same clarity and commitment carry over into her spiritual life, where she has long been a devoted and active member of the Episcopal Church.
Ellen possesses a firm understanding of the Canons and approaches church governance with both reverence and practicality. Her legal background provides her with a unique ability to interpret policy and process in a way that honors both the letter and the spirit of the Church’s tradition. She values transparency, respectful dialogue, and the fair treatment of all individuals, believing that justice and grace must walk hand in hand.
Beyond her professional and canonical expertise, Ellen is known for her calm presence, thoughtful discernment, and steady leadership in times of both routine and challenge. Whether serving on a committee, mentoring others in faith, or engaging in community service, she brings a grounded sense of purpose and a quiet confidence rooted in her years of experience. Her dedication to fairness and justice continues to shape her ministry and her relationships within the Church, making her a trusted voice and a faithful servant of the Episcopal community.” – Jananne K. Fiebig
Rev. Tambria Lee
Rev. Tambria Lee
Nominated for: Disciplinary Board – Clergy Member, 3 year term
Parish: St. Paul’s, Beaufort
Positions Held in a Parish:
Rector
Diocesan Positions Held:
Diocese of East Carolina
Disciplinary Board (2019-present, currently President)
Executive Council (2019-present)
Dean of Trinity Deanery (2023-present)
Clergy Delegate to General Convention (2021-2024)
Finance Committee (2023-present)
Diocese of North Carolina
Disciplinary Board (2010-2018, President 2012-2018)
Commission on Higher Education and Young Adult Ministry (2003-2018)
National Positions Held:
General Convention Committee on Title IV Disciplinary Canons (2024)
“Tammy is extremely conscientious, pastoral , diligent, and fair minded. She looks at all sides of issues when they occur. I have found her to be approachable and able to hear all sides of a concern or issue. She has vast experience in this area having served as President both in the Diocese of North Carolina and here in East Carolina. I feel she would be excellent in this role. ” – Tess Judge
Trustee – University of the South
Rev. Joseph “Gray” Hodsdon
Nominated for: Trustee of University of the South – Clergy Member (through Summer 2029)Parish: St. James, Wilmington
Positions Held in a Parish:
Associate Rector
“Gray is a graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South. He remains active in the life of the university and the seminary. During our time at the seminary, Gray was a highly respected member of the community, was president of the student body, and was known for his quiet, gentle leadership. Those qualities have guided his life and ministry and he would be a wise, collaborative advisor to the trustees of the University of the South” – Rev. Thomas Drake
Mary Hartwell “Molly” Holdeman
Nominated for: Trustee of University of the South – Lay Member (through Summer 2028)Parish: St. Paul’s, Greenville
Positions Held in a Parish:
Lay Reader
Welcome Committee
Diocesan Positions Held:
Lay Trustee of University of the South
Chair of Racial Healing Commission
“Serving as a Trustee of my Alma Mater from the Diocese of East Carolina is truly an honor. Sewanee is the reason I joined the Episcopal Church and, like St. Paul’s, has had a profound impact on my spiritual and personal growth. The education I received at Sewanee shaped my ability to think critically, to write, and to act with conviction. As a Trustee, I have served on the Growth & Development Committee, which reviews and monitors strategic planning by the University corporation, in particular with the intent to consider growth and development in the broader sense of the life of the University corporation beyond its educational mission and purpose, and have had the pleasure of voting to invest Rt. Rev. Dr. Jake Owensby as Chancellor and Dr. Robert W. Pearigen as Vice-Chancellor. Here at home, I have worked with faith, education, and community leaders for equity in education and more broadly on social justice issues, most recently as Chair of the Diocese’s Racial Healing Commission. I believe that, with God’s help, my work in the community, my faith, and my love of my Alma Mater can continue to be an asset to the University of the South to fulfill her purpose of ‘the pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in close community and in full freedom of inquiry, and enlightened by Christian faith in the Anglican tradition, welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, to the end that students be prepared to search for truth, seek justice, preserve liberty under law, and serve God and humanity.'” – Molly Holdeman
Holly Craighead Lippitt
Holly Craighead Lippitt
Nominated for: Trustee of University of the South – Lay Member (through Summer 2028)
Parish: Christ Episcopal Church, New Bern
Positions Held in a Parish:
Vestry
Stephen Ministry Leader
Diocesan Convention Delegate
Diocesan Positions Held:
Cursillo
“Education has been the focal point of Holly’s career, including post-secondary and higher education. She has served on vestries in three different dioceses, served as missioner at Calvary (Wadesboro, NC) and All Soul’s Episcopal Church (Ansonville, NC). Holly devotes herself to the work she feels God is calling her to do, and I know she would do the same in this role. ‘” – Rev. Paul Canady
