Meet the Staff
We are here to serve you and the entire diocese with passion and commitment.
With a diverse range of skills and expertise, our team includes clergy members, administrative professionals, and specialized staff who work collaboratively to support our community.
The Rt. Rev. Susan B. Haynes
The Rt. Rev. Susan B. Haynes
Eleventh Bishop of Southern Virginia
The Rev. Canon Carla McCook
Canon to the Ordinary
Contact Carla for assistance with: guidance during times of challenge or conflict, property issues, mutual ministry reviews, planning continuing education or sabbaticals, diocesan properties, and when canonical issues or questions arise.
Canon Lynn Farlin
Canon for Formation
Contact Lynn for assistance with: Christian Formation resources for clergy, staff, and congregations, stewardship resources, Thrive! DCDI (Diocesan Church Development Institute), Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), Christian Education Network (CE-Net), Repairers of the Breach committee, Creation Care Team, Safe Church programs, scholarship funds, lay ministry training, and training and consultations for parishes.
The Rev. Canon Willis Foster
Canon for Diversity and Transformation
Contact Willis for assistance with creating programs that will facilitate an environment for hard conversations about Social Diversity and Social Justice.
The Rev. Canon Jeunée Godsey
Canon for Congregational Vitality
Contact Jeunée for assistance with: Thrive! DCDI (Diocesan Church Development Institute), congregational development and vitality, and training and consultations for parishes.
The Rev. Dr. Ross M. Wright
Director of Vocational Ministries
Contact Ross for questions about the Ordination Exploration Process, including information about how to apply for the program and resources for clergy and parish leaders who are participating in the discernment process with an applicant.
Judy Dobson
Director of Finance and Administration
Contact Judy for assistance with: church financial audits, investment assistance (Southern Virginia Diocesan Foundation), proof of church non-profit status, Buildings and Grounds Grants, donated stock conversion service, cafeteria plan adoption, church financial matters, and general financial information regarding the diocesan budget and finances.
Liz Villanueva
Director of Transition Ministry
Contact Liz for assistance with: appointments with the Canon to the Ordinary, clergy continuing education grants, clergy mentoring forum, clergy background checks, clergy letters of agreement, diocesan directory, clergy supply list, and entering into discernment, a search process, or planning to retire.
Patsy Martin
Director of Communications
Contact Patsy for assistance with: Tidings email newsletter, the diocesan website, diocesan social media, communications grants, communications style guide and diocesan branding, and communications consulting and training in best practices.
Adrienne Monahan
Missioner for Youth and College Ministries
Contact Adrienne for assistance with: youth ministries, campus and college ministries, young adult ministries, parish consultations, training and formation for adults who work with youth, and diocesan youth programs and events.
Gareth Kalfas
Executive Director of Chanco on the James
Contact Gareth regarding Chanco on the James events, including summer camp, and for scheduling and programming retreats at Chanco.
Leah Sicignano
Bishop’s Executive Secretary
Contact Leah for assistance with: appointments with the Bishop, Bishop’s visitation/confirmation schedule, clergy licensing, lay ministry licensing, Annual Convention planning, Certificates of Lay Delegates and Alternates, non-parochial reports, remarriage permissions, postulants and candidates for ordination, seminarians, and administrative support to the Executive Board and Standing Committee.
Susan Allen
Program and Benefits Administrator
Contact Susan for assistance with: pension, health insurance and benefits, property insurance, background checks, parochial reports, Annual Convention planning, clergy conferences and retreats, safe church training, racial healing workshops, registration for diocesan events, and administrative support to the Commission on Ministry and the Ordination Exploration Process.
Ben Urquidi
Media Specialist
Ben develops and creates ways for us to share the story of God’s work in the Diocese of Southern Virginia through our website, social media, and video productions.
Danika Franco Cota
Finance Officer
Danika assists with payroll, tax filing, church pledge balance, business expense reimbursement, IRS mileage rate, and the workers' compensation audit form.