From the Office of Public Affairs:
The Rev. Deacon Geoffrey T. Smith has been named the Episcopal Church Chief Operating Officer, a member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff. The appointment was made by the Episcopal Church Executive Council following the joint nomination by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings.
Smith boasts a strong administrative and risk management background, and currently serves as a deacon in the Diocese of New Hampshire.
“We are working to deepen our culture as a staff to really live out the loving, liberating and life-giving way of Jesus,” Presiding Bishop Curry said. “Geof is a natural fit for where we are on this journey. He combines in his person highly skilled managerial competency and the experience of a seasoned corporate executive, with a genuinely Christ-centered spirit and the heart of a servant.”
“Geof’s extensive experience in risk management and corporate leadership is matched by his deacon’s heart,” President Jennings said. “He brings us not only critical expertise for this time of change, but also an earnest desire to make Christ known among the people with whom he works. I am delighted to welcome him to the Church Center.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining in the work of the Episcopal Church Center,” Smith said. “As a deacon, part of my ordination charge is to ‘assist the bishop in the ministration of God’s Word,’ and I can think of no more exciting opportunity to do just that than in supporting Presiding Bishop Curry’s vision and ministry amongst us.”
The Chief Operating Officer is based at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City and is a full-time position. As Chief Operating Officer, Smith will oversee a broad portfolio of responsibilities including the day-to-day operation and management of Human Resources, Information Technology, Buildings and Facilities, and real estate acquisitions. He will serve as a senior member of the Presiding Bishop’s leadership team.
Smith begins his new position on January 16, 2017 and as of January 9 will be available at gsmith@episcopalchurch.org.
Read more on Smith’s background and the nominating process here.