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 Roy Hoffman
Canon to the Ordinary
Contact Roy for assistance with: parish transitions, property issues, Letters of Agreement and Mutual Ministry Reviews, guidance during times of challenge or conflict, planning continuing education or sabbaticals, and when entering into discernment, a search process, or planning to retire.
Canon Lynn Farlin
Canon for Formation
Contact Lynn for assistance with: Christian Formation resources for clergy, staff, and congregations, stewardship resources, Diocesan Church Development Institute, Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), Christian Education Network, Repairers of the Breach committee, Safe Church programs, scholarship funds, 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.
Megan Dern
Youth and Young Adult Missioner
Contact Megan 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.
The Rev. (Padre) Mario Meléndez
Chaplain for Latino/x Ministries
Contact Padre Mario for resources and information for establishing or cultivating Latino/x ministries. (Mario also serves as Episcopal chaplain and co-pastor at Holy Apostles, Virginia Beach.)
Gareth Kalfas
Missioner for Camp and Retreat Ministries
Contact Gareth regarding Chanco on the James events, including summer camp, and for scheduling and programming retreats at Chanco.
The Rev. Ross 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: parochial reports, 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 & finances.
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 Council planning, non-parochial reports, remarriage permissions, postulants and candidates for ordination, seminarians, and administrative support to the Executive Board and Standing Committee.
Hope Leach
Finance Officer
Contact Hope for assistance with: payroll, tax filing, church pledge balance, business expense reimbursement questions, IRS mileage rate, and the worker’s compensation audit form.
Susan Allen
Program and Benefits Administrator
Contact Susan for assistance with: pension, health insurance, and benefits, property insurance, clergy and lay background checks, Annual Council planning, Commission on Ministry, Ordination Exploration Process, communications grants, Tidings email newsletter, and the diocesan website.
Shauna Daley
Administrative Assistant
Contact Shauna for assistance with: contacting or scheduling appointments with Canons Farlin, Foster, and Harlan, safe church training, clergy supply list, clergy conferences and retreats, diocesan calendar, diocesan directory, Certificates of Lay Delegates and Alternates, registration for diocesan events, including Annual Council, and to check the diocesan office receipt of: Ridley Scholarship applications, safe church audits (due June 30), church financial audits (due September 1), diocesan pledges (due December 1), Journal Information Forms (due March 1), and Salary Surveys (due March 1).
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.