wfn.org | Search committee seeking nominees

[ENS.parti@ecunet.org (ENS)]

f
November 13, 1997
Episcopal News Service
Jim Solheim, Director
212-922-5385
ens@ecunet.org

97-2003
Search committee seeking nominees
for assistant to new presiding bishop

       (ENS) In anticipation of the beginning of his nine-year term in
January, Presiding Bishop-elect Frank Griswold of Chicago has launched
a search for an assistant.
       A six-member committee appointed by Griswold has announced it
will accept nominations for the newly created position of assistant to the
presiding bishop for administration until December 15.
       The position was authorized by the General Convention in
Philadelphia in August and is part of a restructuring plan to improve
national church operations. Originally referred to as executive director,
the title was changed "to reflect the actual reporting relationship and
responsibilities of the office," according to Bishop Claude Payne of
Texas, chair of the search committee which met October 27-28 in
Chicago.
       Griswold, in consultation with the search committee, changed the
name to reflect the intention of General Convention, Payne said. The
original resolution from the Committee on Structure called for creation of
an executive director who would be appointed by and report to the
church's Executive Council. Convention amended the resolution by
giving the presiding bishop responsibility for appointing the new officer
with the consent of Executive Council. It also stipulated that the
executive director report to the presiding bishop.
       Other members of the committee are Bishop Christopher Epting
of Iowa, the Rev. Canon Carl Gerdau of Chicago, Dr. Warren Ramshaw
of Central New York, and Katherine Tyler Scott of Indianapolis. Dr.
Pamela Chinnis, president of the House of Deputies, serves as an ex-
officio member.
       The committee has contracted with the Boston-based executive
search firm Issacson and Miller to receive and screen applications from
lay and clergy candidates. 
       The assistant to the presiding bishop for administration will be
responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Episcopal  Church Center
in New York and the operations of the church's six field offices. Duties
will include hiring and supervising staff; promoting morale, effectiveness
and efficiency of staff and operations; implementing policies of the
presiding bishop, Executive Council, and General Convention; and
serving as chief advisor to the presiding bishop and Executive Council. 
       Qualifications for the position include demonstrated executive
management skills, an advanced degree in organizational development,
familiarity with the polity and mission of the Episcopal Church, ability to
instill confidence and elicit trust, ability to analyze complex or conflicted
situations and provide leadership in problem-solving activities.
Compensation for the position is $145,000 plus benefits, according to
Griswold's office.
       The committee hopes to submit the names of two to four
candidates to Griswold and Chinnis by mid-winter 1998. After
interviewing the candidates with Chinnis, Griswold will present a choice
to Executive Council for its consent at its mid-February meeting. The
committee expects the new assistant to assume office in spring 1998.
       Applicants should submit a letter and resume to Jerry Pieh, c/o
Issacson and Miller, Internal Box 1610, 334 Boylston St., Boston, MA
02116-3805.