Convention Booklet 2025

106th Annual Convention

2025 CONVENTION NOMINEE PROFILES Delegates will elect new members to positions of diocesan leadership. All nominees were invited to provide a digital photo and to respond to the following question: In 150 words or less: If elected, I would bring the following strengths to this position. Standing Committee, Lay Member

Tammy Brown, Stras Memorial, Tazewell I have been a member of Stras Memorial Episcopal Church since 2011. During this time, I have served as a lay reader and as Altar Guild Chairman. In addition, I have enthusiastically participated in many community activities, especially those focused on substance abuse recovery, re-entry for released inmates and assistance for indigent residents. If elected, I will bring to the committee out-of-the-box thinking and a commitment to the betterment of the Appalachian Alliance. I desire to grow in my devotion to God and the Episcopal Church, and serving as a Standing Committee Lay Member will assist me in furthering my walk with Christ.

Kevin Cole, Emmanuel, Covington I graduated from The Ohio State University in 1979 with a BS in Chemical Engineering and moved to Covington, Virginia on graduation. I have been a member of Emmanuel Covington since moving to Covington and married to my wife Lisa at Emmanuel in 1982. We have three children, and all were baptized and confirmed at Emmanuel. I spent my career in various operation and management positions at the paper mill in Covington for 37 yrs, retiring in 2017. During my career I gained a lot of experience managing human organizations forced on a common goal. I have continued to consult as a Material and Construction Manager since 2019. I have served Emmanuel on vestry for fifteen years, completing several terms as Junior and Senior Warden. I am currently the Senior Warden at Emmanuel. I have attended Annual Convention for 17 years, serving as a delegate from Emmanuel for most of those.

Debbie Williams, Trinity, Arrington As a member of Trinity, Arrington, I have served as Senior Warden, on the Vestry and Vestry clerk. I currently serve on the board of Trustees of the Funds and the Commission on Ministries. I am also a former Standing Committee Member. On my 3 rd attempt, I retired as COO from Blue Ridge Medical Center, Arrington, where I worked for 19 years. Prior to BRMC Debbie worked in radio station sales and sales management in North Carolina and in Miami, in account management for PIMS New York and Washington, DC, and as Director of Communications for the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians. I am a native of North Carolina and in my spare time I enjoy traveling, reading, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

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