April 15, 2019
Dear Friends in Christ,
On March 22, I wrote to you about the decision by my executive assistant, Judi Rogers, to retire after ten years of service to the diocese. Judi’s last day of work will be May 31.
In light of her departure, and in consultation with my senior staff and other diocesan leaders, I evaluated current staffing responsibilities and what might be needed going forward. After determining that much of the executive assistant’s work involved effective communications, I have decided to consolidate the positions of executive assistant and diocesan web administrator. I am happy to announce that Andy Muhl will assume the newly created position of Executive Assistant/Communication Specialist, effective May 20, 2019.
Andy brings a long history of service to the church, as well as a background in corporate communication and business development in the private sector. He became diocesan web master in October 2008. He also has edited the diocesan newsletter, built its social media presence, and creatively contributed his photographic, organizational, and mission skills to dozens of diocesan events and projects. With his new assignment, Andy moves from being a contract employee to full-time staff.
Once these changes take effect, I will be taking a couple of weeks of vacation. This, combined with a three-month sabbatical, will take me away from the diocese and its day-to-day operations for two and a half weeks in July and from the beginning of August through the end of October.
In preparation for this leave, I am also pleased to announce:
- Retired Bishop Ken Price will return to the Pittsburgh diocese on a part-time basis from August through October, in order to continue a schedule of parish visitations, provide a presence at meetings of diocesan governing bodies, and to offer pastoral guidance as needed. Bishop Price served our diocese as the Bishop Provisional from 2009 until 2012. His presence here again is most welcomed and appreciated.
- On June 1, the Rev. Kimberly Karashin will move to full-time status. She will work closely with Director of Administration Kathi Workman for the following seven months. Kim will then add the administration director’s duties to her on-going role as Canon for Mission.
- Kathi Workman will remain as Director of Administration throughout the transition. She then looks forward to continuing as diocesan treasurer on a part-time basis beginning January 1, 2020.
I am very proud of our staff, and very grateful for their contributions to our life as a diocese. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to any one of us.
This comes with my fervent prayers for a blessed Holy Week and Easter.
Faithfully your bishop,
(The Right Reverend) Dorsey W.M. McConnell
VIII Bishop of Pittsburgh