Diocesan Convention 2024 - Nominations and Elections
Thank you to the following nominees who have put their names forward as candidates for open elected positions, which will be voted on by delegates to the 222nd Annual Diocesan Convention.
Secretary of Convention – 1-year term
Alice Perry, St. Andrew’s Church, New London
How are you called to this ministry?
I served as convention secretary in 2023 and am putting my name in nomination to serve in the same role in 2024, again responding to a call to serve the diocese in a role that matches my proficiencies and my long involvement with church life. My skills may be reflected in the minutes of that convention. Prior to serving as secretary to convention, I have had many opportunities—both professional and volunteer—to practice note taking, writing and proofreading. These include years working as proofreader, as a local newspaper correspondent and preparing narrative bids to academic libraries. At St. Andrew’s (New London) I have served several terms as clerk of the vestry and clerk of a search committee and have been editor of St. Andrew’s bimonthly newsletter for 19 years.
Treasurer of Convention – 1-year term
Chris Porter, St. Paul’s Church, Concord
How are you called to this ministry?
Having served as treasurer of convention since 2012, I remain committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in the diocesan budgeting process, and to the continuity that comes with my continuing service and greater experience. As treasurer of convention, I have ex-officio seats on Diocesan Council and the Finance Committee, the latter of which I chair. The Finance Committee’s goal is to match budget priorities with the mission of the diocese and our bishop’s vision. Over the years I’ve also served on other boards, overseeing annual budgets, as senior warden at St. Stephen’s (Pittsfield), board chair at CATCH Neighborhood Housing (Concord), treasurer of a Massachusetts-based historical society, and vice-chair of a municipal budget committee (Epsom).
Standing Committee (clergy) – 3-year term
The Rev. Veronika Travis, All Saints, Littleton (rector)
How are you called to this ministry?
I am called to a ministry of generous, caring witness to Christ. What this looks like in practice is skilled facilitation, encouragement of others' ministries, and good administration. My experience in mission within The Episcopal Church includes service on the Diocesan Council and Commission on Ministry in Vermont as well as the Board of Trustees of the Diocese of Pennsylvania. I greatly enjoy working with different groups of people at the diocesan and parish level to collaborate on new missions and to support the work of existing parishes. I have experience at the diocesan level in supporting formation for ministry, managing property and resources and supporting the bishop's vision for the diocese through communications. My background before ordination was in digital communications and organizational development.
Standing Committee (lay) – 3-year term
Jack Calhoun, All Saints’, Peterborough
How are you called to this ministry?
Growing up, my parents modeled how to use my talents to make a difference and to leave things better than I found them. I am most engaged and fulfilled when I can work with others to achieve this balance. I have been fortunate in my work and my civic life to learn from and work with people who mentored and inspired me to serve organizations and communities, and to make a difference. Most recently, I served All Saints’ Church in Peterborough as Senior Warden during the uncertainties of the Covid pandemic, the retirement of a Rector, and the hiring of a new Rector. In the secular world I have served on non-profit as well as municipal and state boards, and in some cases as board chair. I have learned much from these experiences, and I would be honored to serve the Diocese of New Hampshire as a member of the Standing Committee.
Finance Committee (member-at-large) – 3-year term
The Rev. Ed Cardoza, Grace Church, Manchester (priest-in-charge)
How are you called to this ministry?
Having recently been appointed as priest-in-charge at Grace Church, Manchester—and as a newcomer to the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire—I come with fresh eyes and a committed heart. I feel called to bring my experience in finance to bear in the wider context of diocesan life.
I have helped over a dozen non-profit organizations launch, develop and financially mature. I served on the boards of Last Mile Health, Project Muso, and Village Health Works. In The Episcopal Church, I served on the boards of Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation and Episcopal City Mission. I am a board member emeritus for Partners In Health, where I was the vice president for development, helping to expand the organization. If elected, I pledge to ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency in our budgeting process. Our budget needs to continue to align with the goals of the diocese and to adapt to the context of ministry post-COVID.
For descriptions of each open position, please see the NH Constitution and Canons.