Read Bishop Mark’s full bio on the Our Bishop page

Canon Mark oversees the ongoing, operational aspects of diocesan ministry including the diocesan administrative staff, diocesan boards, Evans House, finances, insurance, investment funds, and risk management. He serves as the Bishop’s liaison to diocesan institutions. He consults with clergy and local congregations on administrative, financial, and property-related matters. Canon Mark also serves as Secretary of the Diocese assisting both the Annual Convention and the Diocesan Executive Board. He is particularly interested in applying technology for the sake of missional and administrative advancement. He is married to Siobhan Byrns who teaches photography and fine arts at the University of Lynchburg. Together with their two daughters, they enjoy hikes, gallery openings, trips to the playground, princesses, and Team Spidey.

Canon Jonathan serves as the Diocesan Transition Minister overseeing all parish transitions, interim ministries, search processes, and candidate screening and recruitment. He also serves as an extension of the Bishop’s pastoral ministry and relationship with all Diocesan clergy. Canon Jonathan provides advance engagement and preparation with parishes ahead of the Bishop’s visitation, coordinates and deploys supply clergy, oversees licensing of clergy for ministry in the Diocese, and supports Diocesan retired clergy. He also serves as the Bishop’s resource in times of parish conflict or crisis. Jonathan lives in Roanoke with his wife Darla and son Henry and loves hiking the Appalachian Trail whenever possible.

Pattie serves as the resource and support staff to the parishes for lifelong formation, with the primary focus on children’s ministry, as well as, our campus ministry, young adult, and adult formation. She is the staff person working with our Beloved Community ministries and Guiding Team. Pattie oversees Safe Church for the Diocese and is also the Intake Officer.

Pattie likes traveling around the Diocese to visit churches and learn about the history of our area. She is an avid baseball fan and has a rescue hound dog, Riley, that she enjoys walking.

Jenni divides her time between two diocesan ministries, evangelism and youth ministry. As the Canon for Evangelism, she engages parishes as they work to broaden their evangelism efforts by leading workshops, meeting with the vestry, or preaching during a Sunday service. As the Canon for Youth Ministries, Jenni leads the Youth Ministry Team (YMT), a diocesan-wide leadership group made up of teenagers, grades 9-12, that plan and lead weekend events, service projects, and Youth at Convention (Y@C). She works closely with Canon Pattie Ames to provide formation resources and guidance to our parishes with youth programs.

Jenni finds great joy in working with churches, but she is deeply rooted in her home life. She is married to Billy and mom of three and spends her time loving on her family. Email Jenni.

Kristen is the Executive Assistant to the Bishop. She also serves as staff support for the Commission on Ministry and helps parishes keep up with the various reports they file to the diocesan and wider church offices each year.

Sally assists with general office administration, hospitality, room reservations, and maintenance at Evans House. Questions about parish reports can be addressed to Mary Alice. She also assists with matters related to parochial property, diocesan property, and property and casualty insurance.

Grace House, located on top of Sandy Ridge near Norton and St. Paul in Wise County, is one of our diocese’s two retreat centers.

Sharon works alongside the Grace House Director assisting with community activities, visiting local residents, and welcoming groups. She has experience working with children and adults through prior work in social services. Her hobbies include camping, crocheting, woodworking, and helping others.

Bob is co-chaplain to retired clergy, surviving spouses, and partners for the diocese.

Bob is co-chaplain to retired clergy, surviving spouses, and partners for the diocese.

Native to the planet of Kashyyyk, and standing at 8 feet tall, Chewbacca commands quite a presence. Chewie also has a big heart, however, and is unwavering in his loyalty to his friends. Chewbacca has served as co-pilot with Han Solo on the Millennium Falcon starship.

Chewie is glad to be serving in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia after years of contending with intergalactic conflicts. He enjoys hiking and bowcaster target practice. Chewbacca brings otherworldly experiences to his work and an awe-inspiring roar.

Chewie does not have a mobile phone or an email address. You are welcome, however, to visit him at Evans House.