After my retirement as a nurse attorney, we moved to Chestertown in 2007.  I have been an active member of Emmanuel Church, Chester Parish in the Northern Convocation, where I have been a choir member, helped with the Kitchen Krew, Flower Guild, other parish activities and am currently Senior Warden. With my health care background, I have been honored to serve on the Board of For All Seasons, the behavioral health and rape crisis center, serving the five mid Shore counties and am currently vice president of the Chester River Health Foundation Board. I have learned a lot and continue to learn about the functioning of the Diocese or Easton by being privileged to serve on Constitution and Canons and the Commission on Ministry.                       

I am a RN with a B.S. in Health Care Administration and a J.D. with a certificate in Health Law. My career path has been direct patient care, utilization review and case management. Following Law School, I worked with member of the radiology community developing guidelines and standards for radiologic procedures.

My husband and I enjoy travel in the US and abroad, golf, and local theater. I was pleased to spend almost ten years of singing with the Chester River Chorale.

We are fortunate to have our children and grandchildren living on the Western Shore and in New York so there are many trips back over the Bay Bridge.                                                                     

When I looked at the question to be answered (Why is this a good time to add diocesan service to your plate?), I initially came up short, not immediately having a good answer coming to mind. On reflection, I believe that achieving the inclusion of all of God’s children as identified as the role our Diocese is pursuing in living out God’s Mission takes precedence over the “busyness” that one finds oneself in. With that in mind, I would be honored to serve on Diocesan Council.

Diocesan Council – At-Large Rep, Lay – Debra DragoneI am the Rector of St. Peter’s Church in Salisbury in the Southern Convocation where I have served for 5 ½ years.  During this time at St. Peter’s we have seen growth in our ministries and numbers as we strive to know and to share the love of Christ.  I have previously served as Rector of St. Andrew’s Princess Anne and was ordained in the Diocese of Easton in 2007. Previous to ordained ministry I served as the CEO of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.  I grew up in Salisbury and have spent many years on the Eastern Shore.  I am married with two adult children.

Currently I am the Chair of the Diocese’s Green Hill Church Committee, a member of the Diocesan Finance Committee, and a member of the Diocesan Grants Committee.  Previously I served as Co-Chair of the Diocesan Discernment Committee; Vice President of Diocesan Council; member of: Bishop Search Committee, Camp Wright Committee, Nominating Committee, Disciplinary Board, and Communications Task Force. Deputy to General Convention 2015, Alternate Deputy to General Convention 2012 and 2018; Appointed General Convention Assistant Secretary for Digital Systems 2012, 2015, 2018.

I believe that given my skills and experiences in parishes, the diocese and the wider church I would be able to make valuable contributions as a member of Diocesan Council.  Through the leadership of Bishop Marray the Diocese of Easton is embarking upon some exciting ministries and I would work diligently as a member of Council to help implement the vision of the diocese.

I worship at St. Paul’s Trappe, where I serve on the vestry and was a member of the search committee for our new clergy. My family always emphasized service to others and actively participated in the life of our church and I have tried to continue that tradition in my life.

I, too was at a loss when I considered the question; Why is this a good time to add diocesan service to your plate? But after some consideration this new opportunity is a natural progression in a life of service which began as a child. My family always emphasized giving back and to whom much is given much is expected. Even my choice to pursue a legal career was part of my overreaching desire to help others and make a difference in other’s lives.  I believe this next chapter will allow me to give back and make a positive impact on our church family and our community at large. I would be honored to serve on Diocesan Council.

#2 Involvement or Leadership in the Convention, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and other Committees of the Diocese
a) Secretary to Annual Convention of the Diocese of Easton for latter years of Bishop Shand episcopate through 2014 – approximately 6 years.
b) Teller at Annual Convention under the episcopate of Bishop Martin Townsend.
c) Previous Member of Board of Managers
d) Previous Chair of Finance Department 4 year term ending 2018
e) Just accepted Finance Administrator for Board of Managers as Chris Maxwell is transitioning to an appointed position with the Board

#3 Sustained involvement and/or leadership in Diocesan wide ministries such as EDW, UTO, CW, Retreat House, etc.
a) Supporting CW ministry as member of the Advisory Board – and specifically with financial advisory work as needed. This is a new ministry since 2016

#4 Professional Experience, Education, Family Avocations…..
a) Cradle Episcopalian in the same parish since birth. Married to John
b) BS in Mathematical Science & Business Administration; MS in Accounting
c) Licensed as an active CPA in Maryland
d) Faculty Member of Lerner College of Business & Economics at University of Delaware
e) Faculty Advisor: Professional Business Fraternity Delta Sigma Pi
Greek Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi
And for fun: Irish Dance Club!
f) Treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral Trust in America

#5 Advocation and Question:
My calling is to give back each day for the bounty and grace God has given me. To that end, while serving and facilitating such non profit organizations as St. Paul’s Cathedral Trust as needed, I also love the one on one of teaching Latino children piano lessons as part of our ministry at St. Clement’s. Although I am seeking a financial position as a member of the Board of Managers and my contributions would be strictly financial in nature, good stewardship of parochial and diocesan funds allow all of us to serve our congregations and communities to the fullest of our means.

Her diocesan service has included Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, and as a trainer for Worship Leader, Eucharistic Minister, and Eucharistic Visitor.
Dee and her husband Harry live in Vienna in a house built in the 1850’s. Yes, history and genealogy are among her hobbies, but her favorites are her time spent with grandchildren and singing with her friends in the choir. She is a retired educator who holds a Masters Degree plus 30 graduate hours. Most of her career was spent in Dorchester County Public Schools.

You are busy at work, at home, and at your congregation. Why is this a good time to add diocesan service to your plate?

I am sorry, but I currently do not have time to respond. I see that I have overdrawn my checking account, the parking meter is set to expire, and I have books long overdue at the library. Perhaps I will write a check to cover the accumulating fines.
My father, gone to glory some thirty-two years now, was prone to say in response to my endless fretting about making the “right” decision, “No matter what you do, it will be all right.” For many years, I was never sure what he meant by that. It was only in the days just after his death that I realized he wasn’t talking so much about the outcome, rather he cared about me and the stress and worry I put myself through in the process.
There may never be a “good time” to take on another challenge, but to do is to realize that there is no better time than now, and to understand that now, is all the time I/we will ever have.
This is the right decision, and, “it will be all right”.

In parish ministry since 1983 with twelve years as a National Guard Chaplain. Also, as a Rural Dean and member of the Church Growth Committee in NJ; in Bethlehem, on the Commission on Ministry, Congregational Renewal Committee and the Grants Committee; and, in WNY, on the Diocesan Council.
A Rotarian for twenty-five years, I have held many offices and am currently Treasurer of the Chestertown Club.

You are busy at work, at home, and at your congregation, why is this a good time to add diocesan service to your plate?
Diocesan service, like community service, goes with the ministry. May one hope the Convention feels I could serve this Diocese on Council.

Raymond Wasdyke and his wife, Carolyn, have been members of Christ Church St. Michaels for 13 years. He has served on the Vestry for five years with roles as a Junior Warden and the chairperson of the property committee. Christ Church recently completed a major renovation in 2017 during his tenure as property chair to ensure its structural integrity. Prior to serving on the Vestry, he was responsible for the parish’s Sunday morning Forum for four years. Ray is semi-retired and is the president and CEO of Wasdyke Associates LLC, an international testing and program evaluation company. He has corporate as well small business experience in finance and program management as well as strategic planning.

#2 Involvement or Leadership in the Convention, Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, and other Committees of the Diocese
a) Secretary to Annual Convention of the Diocese of Easton for latter years of Bishop Shand episcopate through 2014 – approximately 6 years.
b) Teller at Annual Convention under the episcopate of Bishop Martin Townsend.
c) Previous Member of Board of Managers
d) Previous Chair of Finance Department 4 year term ending 2018
e) Just accepted Finance Administrator for Board of Managers as Chris Maxwell is transitioning to an appointed position with the Board

#3 Sustained involvement and/or leadership in Diocesan wide ministries such as EDW, UTO, CW, Retreat House, etc.
a) Supporting CW ministry as member of the Advisory Board – and specifically with financial advisory work as needed. This is a new ministry since 2016

#4 Professional Experience, Education, Family Avocations…..
a) Cradle Episcopalian in the same parish since birth. Married to John
b) BS in Mathematical Science & Business Administration; MS in Accounting
c) Licensed as an active CPA in Maryland
d) Faculty Member of Lerner College of Business & Economics at University of Delaware
e) Faculty Advisor: Professional Business Fraternity Delta Sigma Pi
Greek Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi
And for fun: Irish Dance Club!
f) Treasurer of St. Paul’s Cathedral Trust in America

#5 Advocation and Question:
My calling is to give back each day for the bounty and grace God has given me. To that end, while serving and facilitating such non profit organizations as St. Paul’s Cathedral Trust as needed, I also love the one on one of teaching Latino children piano lessons as part of our ministry at St. Clement’s. Although I am seeking a financial position as a member of the Board of Managers and my contributions would be strictly financial in nature, good stewardship of parochial and diocesan funds allow all of us to serve our congregations and communities to the fullest of our means.

Tom Mendenhall in retirement serves as consulting CFO to For All Seasons, Inc., the Eastern Shore’s leading agency in Behavioral Health counseling and Rape Crisis Support. Previously he served as Director – School Advancement & Finance at Wye River Upper School, a high school for students with learning differences in Centreville.   Throughout his career he has served as a chief operating officer, chief financial officer, and general manager at several small-to medium sized companies where his experience included turnaround and business restructuring activities focusing on general management, marketing, and finance.  Early in his career he spent five years in commercial banking.

He spent ten years with Martin Marietta Corporation as Manager – Corporate Cash, and Assistant Treasurer-Cash & Banking where he managed a short term investment portfolio of over $200 million.

He has served on several nonprofit boards.  He has been mentioned in two books: MERGER: The Exclusive Inside Story of the Bendix-Martin Marietta Takeover War, by Peter Hartz, and Leadership is a Covenant by Leonard J. Moisan, PhD.

Tom holds a Masters in Management from the Alfred P. Sloan School at MIT, and a BS from Drexel University, where he later served on the Visiting Committee of the College of Business and Administration.  During 2011 and 2012 he obtained the Certificate in Fundraising Management, and the Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. In 2017 he received the Certificate in Special Education Advocacy at the College of William & Mary Law School.

Tom is married with four children and eight grandchildren.  He enjoys fishing, reading and writing.  He is a member of Christ Church in St. Michaels where he resides and serves on the Vestry as Finance Chair. He has served on the Diocesan Council and its Finance Committee, and currently serves as President of the Standing Committee.  Since 2014 he has served as chair of the Camp Wright Committee.

Answer to question: I have been involved in Diocesan work for 6 years; it is simply part of what I do and how I serve.