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Elective Offices & Nominees

“Governance in The Episcopal Church is all about collegiality, collaboration, and community discernment. You offer a precious gift to God by putting your name forward to serve on these deliberative bodies and put your experience, insights, and creativity to work for the benefit of our whole diocesan family.” –Bishop John Harvey Taylor

Click here for more information about the election of the VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

CANTERBURY IRVINE (1 clergy or 1 lay for a one-year term)

Joyce Swaving

Member, St. George's, Laguna Hills

CANTERBURY USC (1 clergy or 1 lay for a one-year term)

Jay Park

Member, St. John's Cathedral, Los Angeles

Bio: I am currently the graduate student representative of Canterbury USC. We plan spiritual enrichment events for USC students with much or little experience with faith. I am also an acolyte, either carrying a torch or cross during Sunday Mass.

Statement: As one of the student representatives of Canterbury USC, I am interested in exploring the role of our student ministry both on campus and as part of the Diocese. Being a part of this office will allow me to understand the broader challenges of the Episcopal church and express my concerns regarding the needs of campus ministries.

CANTERBURY WESTWOOD (1 clergy or 1 lay for a one-year term)

COMMISION ON MINISTRY, CLERGY (1 clergy for a three-year term)

The Commission on Ministry is required by The Episcopal Church Canons. The Commission advises and assists the Bishop in the implementation of Title III; in the determination of present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons; and in the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment of readiness. The Commission meets on four weekends a year and on other days as may be required.

COMMISION ON MINISTRY, LAY (1 lay for a three-year term)

The Commission on Ministry is required by The Episcopal Church Canons. The Commission advises and assists the Bishop in the implementation of Title III; in the determination of present and future opportunities and needs for the ministry of all baptized persons; and in the design and oversight of the ongoing process for recruitment, discernment, formation for ministry, and assessment of readiness. The Commission meets on four weekends a year and on other days as may be required.

CORPORATION OF THE DIOCESE, CLERGY (1 clergy for a three-year term)

The Corporation of the Diocese oversees a variety of matters pertaining to finances, audits, insurance, taxes, legal documents, purchase and sale of properties, renovations, bequests, etc. The Corporation meets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month on Zoom or at St. Paul’s Commons.

Rachel Nyback

Rachel Nyback

Rector, St. Cross, Hermosa Beach

Bio: Rector St. Cross; elected to the Standing Committee and Corp. of the Diocese; Deputy to GC 80 & 81; Assessment Review Committee; Mentor to clergy nationally; Previous member of COM, PG Stewardship/Youth, Bp. Search Committee.

Statement: Corp of the Diocese needs to support our new bishop as he/she builds a vision; budgeting to fund this vision as we fund the mission and ministry of our diocese. My hope is to ensure that we use assets wisely, that all voices are at the table, that we are Jesus focused as the Corp makes decisions that affect the whole diocese.

CORPORATION OF THE DIOCESE, LAY (2 lay for a three-year term)

The Corporation of the Diocese oversees a variety of matters pertaining to finances, audits, insurance, taxes, legal documents, purchase and sale of properties, renovations, bequests, etc. The Corporation meets from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month on Zoom or at St. Paul’s Commons.

Mary Pierson

Mary Pierson

Member, St. Cross, Hermosa Beach

Bio: COTD member since ’23. Serve on the Audit, Compensation, Joint Budget & Camp Stevens Committees. Real Estate Task Force member. St Cross Finance, Investment Committees. EDPA Investment Committee for Widows & Orphans Corp. & Rector Search Committee

Statement: I learned about living my faith daily from my parents, especially compassion for the “less than”. Now 72 and retired from a corporate restructuring//real estate investing career I still have a lot to give. I’d like a few more years to assist in navigating the challenges and opportunities before the EDLA

Craig Riemer

Craig Riemer

Member, All Saints, Riverside

Bio: Retired Riverside Superior Court Judge. Attended Episcopal churches in Riverside since 1986. Served on vestry, parish profile & parish search committees, eucharistic minister & eucharistic visitor, and on current Bishop Diocesan Search Committee.

Statement: COTD is undergoing changes in its leadership and the scope of its responsibilities as more assets are transferred to it from the Corp Sole. Implementing those changes will require the active engagement and decision-making of each member of the board of directors. As a retired judge, I offer my decision-making experience and my attention to detail.

Joseph Warren

Joseph Warren

Member, St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood

Bio: I have served on the Corporation of the Diocese, the Commission on Ministry, STAH Endowment Board, and the Budget Committee. Additionally, I have held roles as Deanery President, Parish Administrator, and Stewardship Chair.

Statement: I am honored to be considered for another term on the Corporation. I hope to bring practical insight and accountability to our shared resources. My goal is to help ensure that diocesan finances are managed with transparency, responsibility, and in a manner that reflects the sacramental life and tradition of the Church.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL, CLERGY (1 clergy for a three-year term)

Diocesan Council is a body of elected lay and clergy representatives from each Deanery and at-large who serve between meetings of Diocesan Convention to oversee the programs of the Diocese. The Council meets the second Thursday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom or at St. Paul’s Commons.

DIOCESAN COUNCIL, LAY ( 1 lay for a three-year term)

Diocesan Council is a body of elected lay and clergy representatives from each Deanery and at-large who serve between meetings of Diocesan Convention to oversee the programs of the Diocese. The Council meets the second Thursday of the month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Zoom or at St. Paul’s Commons.

DIOCESAN INVESTMENT TRUST (1 lay or 1 clergy for a four-year term)

This group oversees the administration of the Diocesan Investment Trust. The Trustees’ objective is to achieve reasonable income while seeking to preserve capital. The meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:00 a.m. (February, May, September, and December.)

Stephen Bedikian

Stephen Bedikian

Member, St. James in-the-City, Los Angeles

Bio: I have served on the Vestry and currently serve on the Investment Committee at St. James. Currently I volunteer every Friday afternoon to operate our soup kitchen program.

Statement: I believe my church St. James and the Diocese serve an important mission both for their members and the broader community in Los Angeles. It’s important that the investment trust enjoys strong and consistent performance to provide the financial resources necessary to continue the good work of the Diocese.

HILLSIDES (1 lay or 1 clergy for a three-year term)

Hillsides is a premier provider dedicated to healing children and young adults, strengthening families, and transforming communities through quality comprehensive services and advocacy. We envision a world in which children and young adults, families, and communities are able to heal, grow, and thrive. Our values are quality care, respect, integrity, transparency, compassion, collaboration, and innovation.

HFS, ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE (1 lay or 1 clergy for a three-year term)

HFS strongly embraces the values of diversity & inclusion as we strive to provide caring, non-judgmental support for birth parents considering adoption, to unite children and infants in need of a home with hopeful adoptive parents, and to create strong, loving families of all shapes and sizes. Since 1949, HFS has been Southern California’s most experienced adoption resource, finalizing the most infant and child adoptions of any private adoption agency in California. State licensed, nationally accredited and recognized, HFS exclusively focuses on adoption and foster care services. HFS delivers personalized support for birth mothers considering the loving choice of adoption. We incorporate the values of diversity, inclusion, and equality as we work with the couples and individuals we serve throughout the adoption process. We provide ongoing support services for our foster care resource families.

SECRETARY OF CONVENTION (1 lay or 1 clergy for a one-year term)

Steve Nishibayashi

Steve Nishibayashi

Member, St. Mary's (Mariposa), Los Angeles; Secretary of Convention

STANDING COMMITTEE, CLERGY (1 clergy for a four-year term)

The Standing Committee acts as the Ecclesiastical Authority when the Bishop is absent or incapacitated. The Committee provides advice and consent to the Bishop on property issues, presentment issues for clergy, recommendations from the Corporation, and other legal aspects of the Diocese. The Standing Committee has jurisdiction over and oversight of issues involving property of the Diocese. This includes all parish property, which is held in trust for the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. The Standing Committee participates in the consents to the elections of and consecrations of Diocesan and Bishops Suffragan for other Dioceses. The Standing Committee, acting on the recommendation of the Diocese’s Commission on Ministry, votes to approve or disapprove the admission of persons in the process to ordination.

Christopher Montella

Christopher Montella

Rector, St. Stephen's, Santa Clarita

Bio: I am the Rector of St. Stephen’s, Santa Clarita and Dean of Deanery 2. I also serve on The Program Group for Mission Congregations, The Program Group for Compensation & Benefits, Diocesan Council & The Bishop’s Commission for LGBTQ+ Ministry.

Statement: I wish to serve in this way so I can be more active in fiscal leadership, policy development and strategic visioning in service of the communities and organizations of EDLA. My corporate and parochial experience can be leveraged on the Standing Committee as we collaborate with the next bishop to set the tone for what EDLA will be in the future.

STANDING COMMITTEE, LAY (1 lay for a four-year term)

The Standing Committee acts as the Ecclesiastical Authority when the Bishop is absent or incapacitated. The Committee provides advice and consent to the Bishop on property issues, presentment issues for clergy, recommendations from the Corporation, and other legal aspects of the Diocese. The Standing Committee has jurisdiction over and oversight of issues involving property of the Diocese. This includes all parish property, which is held in trust for the Diocese and The Episcopal Church. The Standing Committee participates in the consents to the elections of and consecrations of Diocesan and Bishops Suffragan for other Dioceses. The Standing Committee, acting on the recommendation of the Diocese’s Commission on Ministry, votes to approve or disapprove the admission of persons in the process to ordination.

Artur Grigorian

Artur Grigorian

Member, St. Thomas the Apostle, Hollywood

Bio: Experienced accounting and finance professional with over a decade serving nonprofits and businesses. Treasurer and Vestry member at St. Thomas, Hollywood; currently serving on the Board of the Corporation of the Diocese.

Statement: I seek to continue my work in fiscal responsibility and parish support on the Standing Committee, offering continuity and insight as we prepare for new episcopal leadership and build a strong future for our Diocese.

DEPUTY TO GENERAL CONVENTION, LAY (4 lay)

The 82nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be in Phoenix, AZ in the summer of 2027.

Nominees who are not elected to serve as deputies are automatically nominated to serve as alternates to General Convention.

Ken Chow

Ken Chow

Member, St. James in-the-City, Los Angeles

Alan Herendich

Alan Herendich

Member, St. Columba's, Big Bear Lake

Bio: Former Bishop’s Warden, Bishop’s Committee member, Diocesan Convention delegate. Current Deputy to the 81st General Convention, Diocesan Council member, LEM, Worship Leader, Choir member, Social media technician, sexton.

Statement: As a life long Episcopalian, I have maintained an active role in my local parish, the diocese, and the national church for many years. I believe that the Church and society are facing critical challenges now more than ever. I want to use my experience and knowledge to work for the welfare and health of the Church as Deputy to the 82nd Convention.

Andrew Tomat

Andrew Tomat

Member, St. Barnabas, Eagle Rock

Bio: Corporate finance executive. Retiring volunteer Treasurer of the Diocese & Diocesan Investment Trustee. Previous service as senior warden, treasurer, and vestry member.

Statement: I was elected as an alternate and deputy at the last 2 General Conventions. Since we send more than $800,000 annually to The Episcopal Church, I was glad to offer my financial experience to provide input to our deputation and ask questions of our national leaders on budgetary issues that affect us here in LA. I would be honored to do so again.

DEPUTY TO GENERAL CONVENTION, CLERGY (4 clergy)

The 82nd General Convention of the Episcopal Church will be in Phoenix, AZ in the summer of 2027.

Nominees who are not elected to serve as deputies are automatically nominated to serve as alternates to General Convention.

Fennie Hsin-Fen Chang

Fennie Hsin-Fen Chang

Vicar, St. Thomas, Hacienda Heights

Bio: Vicar at St. Thomas’ Church, Hacienda Hts.; Convener of Chinese Ministry Advisory Committee; Member of New Community; Member of Bishop’s Parochial Council; Former Episcopal Chaplain at UC-Irvine; Clergy Deputy to the 80th and 81st General Conventions.

Statement: This is my third time to run for clergy deputy to the General Convention. I firmly believe that God’s love embraces all peoples. It is such a belief that has encouraged me to serve multicultural ministries for years and to seek opportunities to bring my voice as a female priest of color into a greater community of the Episcopal churches.

Steve De Muth

Steve De Muth

Rector, Holy Trinity, Covina

Bio: Rector of Holy Trinity Church – Covina; Deanery Six Clergy representative to Diocesan Council; Vice Pres. of ACTION Food Pantry; Assoc. Member of The Order of the Holy Cross; Spiritual Advisor; Served as Asst. Sec. for Blessing Project SCLM

Statement: After “discovering” The Episcopal Church at University, I have loved and prayed and served TEC without ceasing. As a priest I have learned to listen and act after prayerful reflection, trusting God’s Spirit and erring on the side of LOVE and the outcast. I am a bridge builder and believe our best years as a church are still ahead of us.

Kelli Grace Kurtz

Kelli Grace Kurtz

Rector, All Saints, Riverside

Rachel Nyback

Rachel Nyback

Rector, St. Cross, Hermosa Beach

Bio: Rector St. Cross; elected to the Standing Committee and Corp. of the Diocese; Deputy to GC 80 & 81, head of deputation for GC 81, appointed to Title IV committee GC 80 & 81. Mentor to clergy nationally. Previous member of COM, PG Stewardship/Youth.

Statement: The work of the church at General Convention is rigorous and a joy. I see my strength as being a bridge between the church that we know and the church coming into being. My ability to communicate across generations to our diocese and the wider church on behalf of our diocese is an asset that I hope to bring to GC 82 on your behalf.

George Okusi

George Okusi

Rector, St. John's, Costa Mesa

Bio: Ordained in 1990 in Kenya. Assisting Priest at St. Athanasios, Vicar /Rector/ Headmaster of St. Timothy’s in Compton, Chaplain at UCLA, Vicar of St. Thomas of Canterbury LB, Rector St. John the Divine CM. Member of PGGP, COM, DC, BPG, Interfaith etc.

Statement: As a new member of the Episcopal Church, I want to learn of how things are done at the National Church. Bring my experience of listening, cooperation, teamwork, commitment, participation, dedication, resilience and new life to the team. I will maintain a healthy, transparent, and inclusive process. Provide the assistance that may be expected of me.

Dominique Piper

Dominique Piper

Deacon, Blessed Sacrament, Placentia

Bio: Parish Deacon, UBE H. Belfield Hannibal member, Society of Catholic Priests (SCP) member, Diocesan Commission on Liturgy and Music, Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music (National), GC81 Alternate Clergy Deputy, GC81 Clergy Deputy #4.

Statement: Greetings, my name is The Rev. Deacon Dominique Piper. I’m running to be a clergy deputy of GC82. I had the honor of being elected as an alternate clergy deputy for GC81 and ultimately served as clergy deputy #4. As a Deacon and millennial I can add perspectives that some may skim over, as my vow is to bring the world’s needs to the church.

Daniel Tamm

Daniel Tamm

Deacon, Holy Nativity, Westchester

Bio: Deacon at Holy Nativity Parish; advocacy chair, Bishop’s Commission on Climate Change; EDLA Homelessness Task Force: Board of Directors – Stillpoint, Center for Christian Spirituality. Convener, working group to restore TEC’s Creation Care Compline.

Statement: In 2022 The Episcopal Church recognized climate change as “an all-encompassing social crisis and moral emergency.” I’m running for clergy deputy to GC82 to continue this great work that we’ve begun. I offer my diaconal instincts, community organizing skills, and advocacy experience for this and so many other challenges we face, in Christ, together.