Elections at Diocesan Convention (2016)

The Rev. Wanda Copeland (Diocesan Board, Clergy)

Wanda is rector of St. Matthew’s in Horseheads, and Trinity in Elmira. She has been in the diocese since 2012. She is completing a term on the Diocesan Board, and has also served on the Bishop Search Committee, and is part of the Diocesan Foundation Board.

She hails from Alabama, but has lived in Minnesota most of her adult life. She served Holy Trinity in Elk River and St. Christopher’s in Roseville. She has a deep commitment to care of creation, and enjoys canoeing and camping.

She lives in Horseheads with wife Melody and handsome pooch, Sig.

Ms. Terri Weir (Diocesan Board, Lay)

My name is (Mary) Terri Weir. It has been an honor to serve the people of this Diocese for the last 3 years. The experience and learning process has made me excited to use this as an advantage to serve for another term on the Board. I would be honored to work with our new Bishop and the possibilities for this time in our Diocese. I have been married for 46 years to Jim, we have 4 children and 10 grandchildren. I retired after 27 years at The Raymond Corporation. I am a member of Zion Episcopal in Greene. In my church I have been Sunday School Superintendent, choir member, Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, MC, Senior Warden, and take communion to the Ill and Shut in. At the Diocesan level I worked with the youth of our Diocese for over 15 years, on the Youth Council and Lay Director for Happening, I have also served on the Training and Resource Team.

The Rev. Dr. Richard Laribee (Disciplinary Board, Clergy)

Now in my 5th year as rector of Trinity, Watertown and 20th year as priest, I have served on the Disciplinary Board, as district dean, and in Maryland on the Commission on Ministry and Ecclesiastical Court. In the broader community I serve on the boards of Rotary and the Watertown Urban Mission, helped build homes for the poor in three states and Panama, and taught for 2 years in Iraq helping me understand Islam and Muslims.

I love sailing, snorkeling, scuba, motorcycling, photography, and world travel. I am passionate about the spiritual development of people in community—especially through the classic Christian spiritual practices of praying together, learning together, worshipping together, problem solving together, and serving together in mission.

The Rev. Joell B. Szachara (Disciplinary Board, Clergy)

Rector, St. Stephen’s Church, New Hartford

In April, the congregation and I celebrated our 10th anniversary of our ministry together! As a youth who participated in local & diocesan programs to an adult who has gone through the ordination process and then ordination, I LOVE being a part of this Diocese! I currently serve on the Standing Committee and am the liaison to the Board. I have been a Deputy at General Convention in 2012 & 2015. In 2015, I served as the Secretary on the “Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop” committee. I have been involved in many diocesan ministries, including: youth formation, Christian Formation, Liturgy & Music Commission, and as a presenter at many diocesan events. I have served parishes in Virginia, Texas, Maryland, and Central New York.

Dr. Bambi Carkey (Disciplinary Board, Lay)

I am a member of St. Luke’s, Camillus, where I serve as warden, am a lay minister and have been active in a variety of parish activities. On a diocesan level, I served on the Search Committee to elect our new bishop. As a member of the Mission of Miracles, I have travelled to El Salvador several times, as part of the medical mission team. I am a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Professor of Nursing, and am the Director of Clinical Affairs at SUNY Upstate Medical University, and have earned a Doctorate from Chatham University. My family includes, Gary, my husband of 42 years, sons Adam and daughter-in-law Tina, and Benjamin and daughter-in-law Katie, and grandchildren Josephine and Alexander.

Ms. Lynda Helmer (Disciplinary Board, Lay)

Through my years as an Episcopalian I have served as a member of vestry, a member of the church choir, assistant treasurer, lay delegate (or alternate) to multiple diocesan conventions and have chaired/served on a number of parish committees. I have served the Diocese of CNY as a member of the Standing Committee and have just finished my first term as a member of its Disciplinary Board.

My interests and skills include photography, videography and video production, editing, and program design and layout. Professionally I have enjoyed careers in the Broadcast media and as support to the professional staff of the special education department in a public school district.

I offer myself for election to a second term on the Diocesan Disciplinary Board at this time.

The Rev. Adrian Amaya (Standing Committee, Clergy)

Hello, I am the Reverend Adrian A. Amaya, (rector; St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church; Syracuse, New York) since November of 2008 and previously of the Diocese of West Texas. I am Mexican-American, born in Alice, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My M.Div. is from the School of Theology at the University of the South; Sewanee, Tennessee and my BS in English Literature is from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have recently served the Diocese of Central New York in my being a member of the Diocesan Bishop Search Committee, am now on the Diocesan Happening Board, a spiritual director for both Happening and Cursillo weekends and as a member of the Standing Committee.

Ms. Felicity Hallanan (Standing Committee, Lay)

Membership of the Standing Committee traditionally means an average of 4-5 meetings a year. At least, that was my impression four years ago. Then we learned the responsibility of coordinating the retirement of one Bishop and selection of a new one. It’s been a growing experience!

A cradle Episcopalian who’s attended and participated in churches around the world, a journalist and resident of Sandy Pond, I am lector at Trinity Church, Watertown; attending a second General Convention last year meant contributing on a broader level; I represented the Diocese at St. Paul’s, Syracuse, during its ongoing efforts to expand, and as Coordinator of Ministry to the Armed Forces.

Standing Committee has become closer as we have succeeded in our tasks. It would be a continuing privilege to see what the next four years will bring.

The Rev. Adrian Amaya (General Convention Deputy, Clergy)

Hello, I am the Reverend Adrian A. Amaya, (rector; St. Mark the Evangelist Episcopal Church; Syracuse, New York) since November of 2008 and previously of the Diocese of West Texas. I am Mexican-American, born in Alice, Texas and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My M.Div. is from the School of Theology at the University of the South; Sewanee, Tennessee and my BS in English Literature is from the University of Texas at San Antonio. I have recently served the Diocese of Central New York in my being a member of the Diocesan Bishop Search Committee, am now on the Diocesan Happening Board, a spiritual director for both Happening and Cursillo weekends and as a member of the Standing Committee.

The Rev. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew (General Convention Deputy, Clergy)

I have been Rector of Christ Church, Manlius since 2010. I was a Deputy to General Convention 2015; am the Chair of the Commission on Ministry; a Board member for Fayetteville-Manlius Outreach; and have been on Diocesan Council and the Congregational Development Commission in Ohio. I anticipate receiving a Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership and Community Witness from Emory University in May 2017. Prior to ordaination I worked as a Legislative Assistant for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where I drafted and analyzed legislation, researched and prepared reports, and presented materials to caucus.

My husband David is ordained and serving a Lutheran parish. Our daughter Audrey recently graduated from Emory and is working in Atlanta; Lydia is a junior at Ohio Wesleyan University.

The Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent (General Convention Deputy, Clergy)

After completing seminary in Virginia in 2003, I came back to my home diocese of CNY to serve parishes in Owego, Candor, Speedsville and Syracuse. I’ve had the joy of serving as rector of St. Matthew’s, Liverpool for ten years. I serve the diocese as the dean of the Oswego-Northern Onondaga District, a member of the Diocesan Board, the creator and coorinator of the Lay Preaching Program, and recently chaired the Bishop Search Committee. My passions in ministry include: empowering lay ministry, developing non-traditional paths to ordination, talking about God (and our beloved Church!) in ways that make sense to real-life people, and seeing beyond numbers to each congregation’s vitality and passion for ministry.

The Rev. Joell B. Szachara (General Convention Deputy, Clergy)

Rector St. Stephen’s Church, New Hartford

In April, the congregation and I celebrated our 10th anniversary of our ministry together! As a youth who participated in local & diocesan programs to an adult who has gone through the ordination process and then ordination, I LOVE being a part of this Diocese! I currently serve on the Standing Committee and am the liaison to the Board. I have been a Deputy at General Convention in 2012 & 2015. In 2015, I served as the Secretary on the “Confirmation of the Presiding Bishop” committee. I have been involved in many diocesan ministries, including: youth formation, Christian Formation, Liturgy & Music Commission, and as a presenter at many diocesan events. I have served parishes in Virginia, Texas, Maryland, and Central New York.

The Rev. Deacon Shelly Banner (General Convention Alternate, Clergy)

I am a bi-vocational Deacon, residing near Oswego. Ordained at Convention in 2005, I have served the parishes of St. John’s, Marcellus, the Church of the Resurrection, Oswego, and now serve St. Matthew’s Liverpool.

Beyond parish functions, I serve our Diocese in these ways: Interim Ministry team, Commission on Ministry, the Diocesan Disciplinary Board and the Bishop-elect Transition Team. In 2015, I loved serving as an alternate deputy for the 78th General Convention. I am passionate about closely examining structure and systems, believing that knowing how they function and interface develops innovative ideas and strength within that structure. I find the work of the National Church exciting and rewarding.

It would be my pleasure to serve as deputy to the 79th General Convention.

The Rev. Georgina Hegney (General Convention Alternate, Clergy)

I am seeking a third term as deputy to General Convention. Term One: learning the ropes. Term Two: serving as the ‘Marriage Committee’ as assistant secretary. (a last minute “opportunity”!) I’m excited to see what Term Three might hold! Participation in General Convention offers an opportunity to offer the perspective of our diocese, but also to bring the perspective of the larger Church home, as we seek to restore all people to unity with God and each other.

September 1 I began as Interim Rector at Grace Church Utica. My husband and I serve as Stewards at St Margaret’s House, New Hartford. I serve in several diocesan ministries including Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, Dayspring, and as Intake Officer.

The Rev. Dr. Richard Laribee (General Convention Alternate, Clergy)

Now in my 5th year as rector of Trinity, Watertown and 20th year as priest, I have served on the Disciplinary Board, as district dean, and in Maryland on the Commission on Ministry and Ecclesiastical Court. In the broader community I serve on the boards of Rotary and the Watertown Urban Mission, helped build homes for the poor in three states and Panama, and taught for 2 years in Iraq helping me understand Islam and Muslims.

I love sailing, snorkeling, scuba, motorcycling, photography, and world travel. I am passionate about the spiritual development of people in community—especially through the classic Christian spiritual practices of praying together, learning together, worshipping together, problem solving together, and serving together in mission.

The Rev. Deacon Charles Stewart (General Convention Alternate, Clergy)

Ordained Deacon in June 2016. Assigned to St. James’, Skaneateles, and residing also in Skaneateles. Retired from remunerative employment from Welch Allyn and General Electric in Cleveland, OH. In addition to working at St. James’ I am an Assistant Chaplain at Upstate Hospital. I have been Chair, Deputy and First Alternate at the past three General Conventions. Served for two triennia on the Covenant Committee with TEC and IARCA. Chair of the Diocesan Board’s Investment Committee. Former member of Diocesan Board. Chair of Companion Diocese committee. Former warden (OH), vestry member, Standing Commission on World Mission member. Married to LCDR Pam Stewart; we have four children and ten grandchildren between us. In final year toward M.Div. at CRCDS.

Ms. Karen Anderson (General Convention Deputy, Lay)

My name is Karen Anderson. I am an active parishioner at St. James, Clinton. My partner and I have been together for 32 years and married for 2. I recently retired after 31 years of teaching. I have served on the vestry, lead the outreach committee, lead the youth group and Confirm not Conform, and currently am co-chairing our rector search committee.

I am participating in the Lay Preaching Certification program through the diocese and have served many times as a delegate to our Diocesan Convention. It was an honor to be a part of the larger church at the 77th GC. Being a deputy has been an amazing experience that I would love to continue.

Ms. Carol Forrester (General Convention Deputy, Lay)

Carol Forrester has been a member of Zion Episcopal Church in Pierrepont Manor, NY. She serves as a Lay Eucharist Minister, Eucharist Visitor, has been the Co-Chair of the Transition Committee for the Bishop Search, and served as a deputy at the 2015 GC. She is a qualified member of Spiritual Directors International. She was a prayer guide for the Nineteenth Annotation Retreat of The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius at the Spiritual Renewal Center in Syracuse during 2011 and 2012. She and husband Dennis own a dairy business and have four grown children. Carol enjoys hiking with her grandchildren in the Adirondack Mountains and bicycling along the beautiful shores of Lake Ontario.

Ms. Felicity Hallanan (General Convention Deputy, Lay)

Representing the Diocese at General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 2018 would expand on extraordinary opportunities offered at two earlier conventions.

In Indianapolis I was among those experiencing the proverbial sense of “overwhelming,” while at the same time joining some-10,000 who were there to address a wide range of concerns. In Salt Lake City, familiarity meant renewed acquaintanceships and more comfort with strenuous daily routines. Greater participation meant an appointment by the President of the House of Deputies to the Committee on Evangelism and Communication, where fellow members included now-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. A third General Convention would build on all of these.

I edit the newsletter of the National Assn. of the 10th Mountain Division from home in Sandy Pond, am a member of Trinity, Watertown, of Standing Committee, and on the Board of Directors, Northern Oswego County Health Services. As Deputy to General Convention I would be eager to bring back again what is learned there, to share further with the people of the Diocese of Central New York.

Ms. Ernestine Patterson (General Convention Deputy, Lay)

I wish to serve as a lay deputy to General Convention from the Diocese of Central NY. I was honored to serve as a deputy at the last GC, representing this diocese in the overall governance and furtherance of the goals and objectives of the national church and to keep our diocese informed of any issues, as required. I am single with two adult children, have resided in the City of Syracuse for my entire life, and have been a member of Grace Syracuse Parish since 1972. Over the years I have served my parish in various positions: from warden (with and without a rector) to greeter, Diocese convention delegate and worked on a committee to call our current rector. I am a retired Quality Assurance Manager from Crucible Specialty Metals and am currently working as an enrolled agent (able to represent persons before the IRS) in my own business ACRES of Accounting as well as with a tax service.

Ms. Penny Dugas (General Convention Alternate, Lay)

My name is Penny Dugas. I am a cradle Episcopalian who currently attends St Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Liverpool. I have served as a vestry member and as a warden.

I serve on the Ministry Support Commission for the Diocese. I was asked to serve because of my 20 year work experience with Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield as a contract writer.

I have just begin the Education for Ministry (EfM) program with the Diocese. I am excited to expand my knowledge by taking this four year class.

Dr. Sandra D. Michael (General Convention Alternate, Lay)

It has been my great joy to represent our Diocese at prior General Conventions and I would so much like to do so again in 2018. Prior national level service: Executive Council Committee on Science, Technology and Faith (ST&F); Convener of the Network for ST&F; two elected terms to the General Board of Examining Chaplains. At prior General Convention: Legislative Committee of the Church Pension Group; vice-chair in 2006.  At Trinity: vestry, and chair of columbarium, library, strategic planning and scholarship committees. Former CNY Cathedral Chapter member. SUNY Distinguished Service Professor at Binghamton University. If re-elected, I pledge to diligently study the issues, listen carefully to those with differing views, and strive to respond with the best interests of our Church in mind.

The Rev. Jennifer Kenna (Triennial Delegate, Clergy)

Ordained to the priesthood in 2011, currently resides in Clayton, New York. Part-time Assistant Priest for Pastoral Care at Trinity Church, Watertown. Past employment; teaching assistant, bank teller and retail salesperson. Past community involvements: parent-teacher groups, the Jefferson County Relay for Life committee and parish representative on the Village of Sackets Harbor ecumenical committee. A former United Thank Offering representative and president of the CNY Women’s Ministries Board, a former Province II Episcopal Church Women president and current chaplain; current Province II Representative to the National Board of Episcopal Women. I have served on the Standing Committee since 2011.