Workshop Descriptions
(Subject to change)

In Alphabetical Order

Affinity Group: Dioceses
Block C: Affinity Groups, 4/15, 4-5:15 PM
Moderator: Chris Tumilty

Communicating at the diocesan level presents unique challenges and opportunities. This session offers a dedicated space for diocesan communicators to connect, share strategies, and support one another in telling good news across wide geographies and diverse congregations. Whether you’re managing internal workflows, launching diocesan-wide campaigns, or navigating communications with clergy and lay leaders, this is your chance to learn from peers who understand the scope of your work.

Affinity Group: Freelancers
Block C: Affinity Groups, 4/15, 4-5:15 PM
Moderator: Carrie Graves

Freelance communicators wear many hats: designer, writer, strategist, and client manager. This session offers a dedicated space for freelance professionals to connect, share insights, and support one another as they navigate the joys and challenges of solo work. Whether you're juggling multiple clients, building your brand, or seeking new tools for workflow and project management, this gathering is a chance to learn from peers who understand the freelance landscape and the unique role you play in church communications.

Affinity Group: Large Parishes
Block C: Affinity Groups, 4/15, 4-5:15 PM
Moderator: Rev. Cn Richard Hogue

Large parishes often function like small organizations, with complex staff structures, layered communications needs, and a growing demand for strategy. In this workshop, communicators from large parishes and cathedrals will gather to share tools, explore scalable systems, and swap creative approaches to campaigns, branding, and storytelling. It ’s a chance to go deep with others navigating the same scale of ministry and discover solutions that meet your context.

Affinity Group: Small Parishes
Block C: Affinity Groups, 4/15, 4-5:15 PM
Moderator: Sonja Slother

Communicators in small parishes often wear multiple hats — sometimes all of them! This workshop is designed for those balancing limited time, budget, and capacity while still producing meaningful, effective communications. Join fellow small parish communicators to share practical ideas, discover tools that save time, and be reminded that small parishes can do mighty things with clear vision and good storytelling.

Affinity Group: Organizations
Block C: Affinity Groups, 4/15, 4-5:15 PM
Moderators: Marie Simpson and Zayda Sarinana

If you work in communications for an Episcopal-affiliated organization, whether educational, social justice-focused, ministry-based, or something else entirely, this space is for you. This workshop creates time for cross-sector dialogue, resource-sharing, and creative brainstorming with others navigating how to speak clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences. We ’ll explore how your communications help amplify mission, align with values, and inspire action across the wider Church and beyond.

AI in Action: Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
Track: Building Good Systems, Block D: Strategy and Impact, 4/16, 10:30-11:45 AM
Panelists: Lorenzo Nericcio, John MacAteer
Moderator: Canon Jason Evans

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how communicators work, and with that shift comes a responsibility to ask harder questions. This panel discussion brings together voices with experience at the intersection of technology, ministry, and ethics to explore what it means to use AI faithfully and responsibly in church communications. Panelists Lorenzo Nericcio and John MacAteer will engage questions around transparency, authenticity, theological integrity, and the human dimensions of AI-generated content. This session supports the Strategy and Impact block by helping communicators think critically about the tools they use and the values those choices reflect. It aligns with the Building Good Systems track by grounding sustainable, tech-savvy ministry practice in an ethical foundation.

Dr. John MacAteer is a philosopher and theologian who earned his PhD in from the University of California, Riverside, where he specialized in moral theory and aesthetics. He has taught interdisciplinary philosophy, religion, film, and humanities courses online and on university campuses throughout Southern California, including at Point Loma Nazarene University, where he serves as Instructional Designer. Dr. MacAteer has written extensively about the philosophy of film in work ranging from academic journals to general audience print magazines to blogs and podcasts. His current project is The Cinema of Resistance, a series of public film screenings co-sponsored by Resurrection Episcopal Church and the Ocean Beach Cinema Circle, a neighborhood film club which he co-founded.

Lorenzo Nericcio is a San Diego-based philosophy and humanities instructor focusing on the intersection of social issues and technology. He has experience in media and digital communications, and his current focuses are environmental ethics, philosophy of technology, and AI ethics.

Bridging the Gap: Working with Clergy and Leadership
Track: Deepening Good Work, Block D: Strategy and Impact, 4/16, 10:30-11:45 AM
Presenters: The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook and Chris Tumility

Strong communication begins with strong collaboration. This workshop offers strategies for building trust and aligning messaging between communicators and leadership teams. Learn tools for setting shared goals, leading effective meetings, and advocating for the communications role in your ministry.

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook is the fifth bishop and the first woman to serve as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, consecrated in 2019. Under her leadership, the diocese launched the Courageous Love strategic plan, planted new congregations, expanded campus ministries, and advanced affordable housing through the Mission Real Estate initiative. A former certified public accountant, she earned her M.Div. from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and her D.Min. from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. Previously Canon for Church Growth in Oklahoma and founding vicar of Nativity, Scottsdale, Bishop Susan ’s ministry centers on evangelism, discipleship, and courageous love in action.

Chris Tumilty serves as Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, where they lead diocesan storytelling, digital strategy, media relations, and creative initiatives, including Courageous Love, Faith to Go, and congregational communications support. Chris began full-time diocesan work in 2007 with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and joined the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in 2020. With more than 18 years of experience, Chris helps churches share authentic stories, engage their communities, and communicate God ’s work with clarity and purpose. His work centers on equipping congregations to tell meaningful stories that build connection, discipleship, and trust. Chris is passionate about creative ministry that invites people to notice where God is already at work.

Collaborating for Formation: Working with Christian Ed Teams
Track: Deepening Good Work, Block E: Reflection and Renewal, 4/16, 1:15-2:30 PM
Presenters: Charlotte Preslar

Communications and formation ministries are natural partners and when they work well together, the impact multiplies. This workshop equips you with strategies for collaborating with Christian education leaders to co-create meaningful, spiritually enriching content for all ages. You ’ll learn how to shape messaging around curriculum, seasonal themes, and spiritual practices, and explore tools for planning, sharing, and measuring impact. As part of the Reflection and Renewal block, this workshop supports the conference theme of Good Works by helping communicators become co-creators of spiritual growth, not just promoters of programs. It aligns with the Deepening Good Work track by integrating faith formation and storytelling as core parts of the communicator ’s vocation.

Charlette Preslar is the Director of Formation for The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the cohost of the Faith to Go podcast. Her responsibilities include faith formation for all ages, lay licensing, congregational development, and Safe Church/Safe Communities. She delights in supporting the Episcopal schools in our diocese and our wonderful diocesan camp, Camp Stevens. A lifelong collaborator, Charlette would love to hear about where God is active in your life and talk about where God might be calling you and your community of faith. When she isn ’t working, Charlette loves the outdoors and is happiest with her feet on a trail or her hands in the dirt of her garden.

Communicating Across Languages and Cultures
Track: Deepening Good Work, Block A: Foundations and Vision, 4/15, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Presenter: John Fenastil

Effective communication begins with listening that includes listening across difference. In this workshop, you ’ll explore practical tools for multilingual communications, culturally responsive messaging, and inclusive design practices that reflect the full diversity of your community. Learn how to assess your current materials, build cross-cultural partnerships, and communicate with authenticity and humility. Rooted in the Foundations and Vision block, this session connects to the conference theme of Good Works by centering equity and belonging as core components of Gospel-centered communication. It fits within the Deepening Good Work track by encouraging thoughtful, faithful engagement across cultural and linguistic lines.

John Fanestil is Executive Director of Friends of International Friendship Park, a nonprofit working to establish an international park at the western end of the U.S.–Mexico border. A San Diego native and Elder in the United Methodist Church, he has spent decades organizing communities along and across the border and helped found The Border Church in 2011, a weekly celebration of cross-border communion that continues today. John is a graduate of Dartmouth College, Oxford University (as a Rhodes Scholar), Claremont School of Theology, and the University of Southern California, where he earned his Ph.D. in History. He is also a writer whose books include Mrs. Hunter ’s Happy Death, One Life to Give, and American Heresy, blending history, religion, memoir, and social commentary.

Creating Media for Formation
Track: Telling Good News, Block B: Content in Action, 4/15, 2:30-3:45 PM
Presenter: Charlotte Preslar

Media for formation can extend your ministry beyond Sunday and into the daily lives of your community. In this hands-on workshop, you ’ll learn to create short-form spiritual content, like video reflections, podcasts, and seasonal guides that fosters connection and formation. We ’ll explore tools for planning, producing, and distributing media that is both theologically grounded and creatively engaging. As part of the Content in Action block, this workshop brings the conference theme of Good Works to life by equipping you to tell the Good News in formats that nurture faith throughout the week. This workshop supports the Telling Good News track by helping you shape content that is spiritually rich, accessible, and inspiring.

Charlette Preslar is the Director of Formation for The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and the cohost of the Faith to Go podcast. Her responsibilities include faith formation for all ages, lay licensing, congregational development, and Safe Church/Safe Communities. She delights in supporting the Episcopal schools in our diocese and our wonderful diocesan camp, Camp Stevens. A lifelong collaborator, Charlette would love to hear about where God is active in your life and talk about where God might be calling you and your community of faith. When she isn ’t working, Charlette loves the outdoors and is happiest with her feet on a trail or her hands in the dirt of her garden.

Creative Risk-Taking in Church Communications
Track: Building Good Brands and Launching Good Campaigns, Block E: Reflection and Renewal, 4/16, 1:15-2:30 PM
Presenter: Mary Grace Donohoe

What if your community is hungry for your church’s public witness? This workshop challenges you to press your environment beyond “we’ve always done it this way” passive thinking and the “safe” status quo to explore the strategic and faithful art of risk-taking. Using real examples from The Episcopal Church, we will move through a framework for discerning when to speak, what to say, and where to say it. You’ll learn how to discern when and what your bishop/rector/faith leader is uniquely positioned to say, how to build the necessary leadership buy-in for courageous communications, and how to prepare when a message resonates. Stay grounded in the Gospel while navigating the complexities of public witness for today.

Mary Grace Donohoe (or MG) is an strategic communications expert with over nine years of experience managing traditional and digital communications for faith-inspired nonprofits. As the Communications Manager for Strategy, Positioning, and Partnerships, she leverages her experience to ensure communications is more than a series of tools and tasks, but rather essential to EDS's mission and vision for a more just world. Central to her work is elevating voices excluded and undervalued by the church and reaching emerging audiences with EDS's cutting edge theological education offerings.

MG oversees program publicity, public relations, social media, and the brand and voice of EDS and its leadership, and collaborates closely with her colleague in communications, Dustin Jesudason. Mary Grace previously served as Communications Manager for the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island and for Religions for Peace International, a representative multi-religious organization with a presence in nearly 100 countries. She previously consulted with Red Letter Christians, a national movement at the intersection of Jesus and justice. She holds a B.A. in Political Science/International Relations and Religious Studies from Stonehill College.

Discovering Your Brand Identity
Track: Building Good Brands, Block A: Foundations and Vision, 4/15, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Presenter: Adrienne Wilkerson

Your brand is more than a logo, it ’s the story you tell every time someone walks through your doors or sees your communications. In this workshop, you ’ll explore the foundational elements of brand identity for churches, dioceses, and organizations, including voice, visuals, values, and audience perception. You ’ll leave with practical tools to begin shaping a consistent and compelling brand that reflects your ministry ’s mission and context. As part of the Foundations and Vision block, this session helps you lay the groundwork for Good Works by making sure your communications reflect who you truly are. This workshop is a keystone for the Building Good Brands track by guiding you through the first steps of creating a brand that ’s authentic, strategic, and sustainable.

Adrienne Wilkerson is the Director of Communications & Advocacy for Episcopal Community Services, where she leads strategic storytelling, media relations, and advocacy efforts that advance the organization ’s mission across the region. In her role, she works to elevate ECS ’s impact in areas such as behavioral health, homelessness, early childhood education, and community support, partnering with local leaders and policymakers to strengthen vital services. Adrienne ’s leadership and commitment to mission-driven communications were recognized in 2026 when she was named one of the San Diego Business Journal ’s Leaders of Influence in Advertising, PR & Marketing. She holds an MBA and brings deep experience in strategic communication, community engagement, and advocacy to her work supporting vulnerable populations in San Diego.

Faith-Based Content for a Digital World
Track: Deepening Good Work, Block B: Content in Action, 4/15, 2:30-3:45 PM
Presenter: The Rev. Timothy Yanni

How do we create digital content that is both spiritually grounded and genuinely engaging? This workshop explores how to translate faith-filled messages into digital formats that resonate on screens without losing depth or meaning. You ’ll learn tools for adapting theological ideas for social media, crafting posts that form rather than just inform, and measuring spiritual engagement in online spaces. As part of the Content in Action block, this session lives out the Good Works theme by equipping you to connect timeless truths with modern audiences. Anchored in the Deepening Good Work track, it helps communicators create content that not only spreads information but also nurtures faith.

The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni (Fr. Tim) is a priest in the Episcopal Church. In addition to his service as Rector at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist in northwest Phoenix, Arizona, Fr. Tim is a writer, speaker, and digital evangelist.  

Fr. Tim earned his theological education at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California and the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana. A fully trained chaplain, Fr. Tim also earned four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and board certification as a hospital chaplain. A gifted, charismatic teacher, Fr. Tim specializes in pastoral care and liturgy. He considers himself a “Matthew 25” Christian, focusing much attention to people who have been pushed to the margins. He is vocal about anti-racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, feminism, and the inclusion of children in the Church.

While he takes the gospel seriously, he doesn ’t take himself too seriously. In lieu of traditional clerical attire, Fr. Tim can frequently be spotted wearing one of his many (100+!) Reyn Spooner aloha shirts. He lives by the mantra “Pray hard, play hard!” He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Brandy, and their dog, Ari.

Finding the Gospel in Your Ministry’s Story
Track: Telling Good News and Launching Good Campaigns, Block A: Foundations and Vision, 4/15, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Presenter: The Rev. Taylor Devine

Every church, diocese, and organization has a story, but not every story is told with Good News at its heart. This workshop helps you uncover the deeper spiritual narratives within your ministry ’s work and translate them into compelling, audience-centered messaging. Through practical exercises in storytelling, reframing, and message development, you ’ll learn how to communicate your mission in ways that are both authentically Episcopal and deeply resonant. As part of the Foundations and Vision block, this session ties directly to the Good Works theme by helping you see and share the sacred within your everyday ministry. Aligned with the Telling Good News and Launching Good Campaigns tracks, this workshop bridges inspiration and strategy to bring the Gospel to life through communications.

The Rev. Taylor P. Devine serves as the Church Relations Coordinator for Forward Movement ’s Discipleship Initiatives. In her ministry she has helped to draw out vibrant Christian community and discipleship, developed Christian leadership in churches and on church staffs, and has developed and led intentional Christian communities. Her work with intergenerational ministry and generational change dynamics in multiple parishes was based most recently at Saint Philip ’s in the Hills in Tucson, AZ.  

She is passionate about congregational vitality and its overflow into vibrant lives of faith in the broader community. In this workshop Taylor will support your leadership in your ministry through resourcing and practicing accessible storytelling for Gospel-rooted message development.

She is available to consult on Forward Movement offerings that can support discipleship, small groups, formation and congregational vitality. Please feel free to reach out! tdevine@forwardmovement.org

From Chaos to Calendar: Content Planning for Real Life
Track: Building Good Systems, Block B: Content in Action, 4/15, 2:30-3:45 PM
Presenter: Adrienne Wilkerson

Is your communications work always in reactive mode? Is it time for new solutions? This workshop introduces practical, flexible strategies for creating realistic editorial calendars that reflect your ministry ’s actual rhythm. You ’ll explore tools like batching, seasonal planning, content repurposing, and collaboration workflows that are all designed for busy communicators with limited bandwidth. As part of the Content in Action block, this session brings structure to your creativity and aligns with the Good Works theme by helping you steward your time and message effectively. Rooted in the Building Good Systems track, it equips you to work smarter, not harder, without sacrificing impact or consistency.

Adrienne Wilkerson is the Director of Communications & Advocacy for Episcopal Community Services, where she leads strategic storytelling, media relations, and advocacy efforts that advance the organization ’s mission across the region. In her role, she works to elevate ECS ’s impact in areas such as behavioral health, homelessness, early childhood education, and community support, partnering with local leaders and policymakers to strengthen vital services. Adrienne ’s leadership and commitment to mission-driven communications were recognized in 2026 when she was named one of the San Diego Business Journal ’s Leaders of Influence in Advertising, PR & Marketing. She holds an MBA and brings deep experience in strategic communication, community engagement, and advocacy to her work supporting vulnerable populations in San Diego.

From Plan to Pews: Real Church Campaigns That Work
Track: Launching Good Campaigns, Block D: Strategy and Impact, 4/16, 10:30-11:45 AM
Presenters: Sarah Bartenstein & Chris Whitaker

In this hands-on workshop, you ’ll explore actual church-based campaigns and dissect what made them succeed. Learn how to set goals, build timelines, mobilize teams, and measure outcomes, with templates and tools you can immediately adapt for your context. Part of the Strategy and Impact block, this session supports the Good Works theme by helping your communications create meaningful, measurable change. Ideal for those in the Launching Good Campaigns track, this workshop bridges creativity and execution with real-world case studies and replicable systems.

Sarah Bartenstein recently marked 20 years as director of communications at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Richmond, Virginia, a stretch so long that she has launched four new websites, overseen a rebranding, and become a grandmother. She previously served as director of communications for Virginia Public Media (PBS/NPR) where she also oversaw rebranding and launched a new website, and before that was executive for communication and diocesan events for the Diocese of Virginia where she shepherded a rebranding, coordinated several episcopal elections and consecrations, and responded to media crises, sometimes at the same time. While working at VPM, her employer allowed her to spend two weeks in the Diocese of Louisiana to provide crisis communications guidance after Hurricane Katrina which soon led to her returning to church work (with apologies to VPM), this time in a parish. While at St. Stephen’s, she’s been president of Virginia’s standing committee and a spokesperson for the diocese during legal proceedings over church-owned property. Sarah was an EC board member during her time on the diocesan staff, gaining lifelong friends in the process, and after returning to church communications at St. Stephen’s, she served as EC president for four years. She’s also led some workshops and received some Polly Bond awards.What makes a campaign move beyond great ideas into real results? 

Chris Whitaker is an award-winning communications specialist and the director of communications, outreach, and youth ministry at Christ Church in Short Hills, NJ — a vibrant and diverse suburban parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Newark. He also serves on the Board of Episcopal Communicators.

Chris began serving at Christ Church in 2016 and moved into a full-time role in 2022. Before joining the parish staff full-time, he co-founded and served as executive director of All The Way Up Adult Education Center, a Newark-based nonprofit supporting adult learners across Northern New Jersey as they work toward their GED.

At Christ Church, Chris leads the parish ’s communications strategy and digital ministries, guides the expansion of outreach initiatives, and creates meaningful opportunities for youth to participate fully in the life of the congregation. In his youth ministry role, he has led pilgrimages to California, the American South, and Panama; organized mission trips to the Appalachian region; and brought youth delegations to the General Convention of the Episcopal Church. His background in nonprofit leadership and strategic communication helps him share the church ’s mission in ways that are clear, engaging, and accessible.

Chris holds an M.A. in Religion & Social Movements from Drew University and a B.A. in Theology and Communication from McKendree University. In his spare time, he enjoys running, gardening, and listening to podcasts. 

Gratitude as Strategy: Celebrating Your Community
Track: Telling Good News, Block E: Reflection and Renewal, 4/16, 1:15-2:30 PM
Presenters: Dustin Jesudason & Ashley Eastham

What if celebration was your most powerful communications tool? In this workshop, you ’ll learn how to build campaigns, content, and storytelling rhythms that center gratitude, highlighting milestones, honoring volunteers, and showcasing your community ’s gifts. You ’ll explore practical frameworks for integrating appreciation into newsletters, social media, and liturgical seasons. As part of the Reflection and Renewal block, this workshop connects to the Good Works theme by uplifting the stories of grace already at work in your context. Ideal for those in the Telling Good News track, it equips you to foster connection and joy through intentional, strategic celebration.

was born and raised in Michigan before moving to New Orleans in 2008. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 2005 with a double major in Psychology and Communications and earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 2008.

Ashley ’s professional background includes clinical and advocacy work within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems in both Michigan and Louisiana, as well as serving as a veteran benefits advocate with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs.

She joined Trinity Episcopal Church in 2008 as Executive Assistant to the Clergy and has since held several leadership roles, including Young Adults Ministry Director and Communications Director (2018–2024). She now serves as Trinity ’s Director of Advancement, overseeing both development and communications. Ashley and her husband, Evan, were married at Trinity in 2011 and are the proud parents of two young daughters.

Dustin Jesudason is the Communications Manager for Digital Media and Stakeholder Engagement at Episcopal Divinity School. He helps strengthen communications by shaping strategy and managing content across digital platforms, events, and internal and external channels. He oversees the website, monthly newsletter, multimedia, and the YouTube channel, as well as leads promotion and technical coordination for in-person and livestreamed events. He works closely with leadership, the board of trustees, the programs team, and coordinates alum communications.

His role ensures the school's mission is communicated clearly, creatively, and consistently and collaborates closely with his colleague in communications, Mary Grace Donohoe.

Dustin served as the Director of Communications/Creative Director at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church in Houston, TX for eleven years and currently serves on the board of Episcopal Communicators. Prior to working in the Episcopal church, he worked in media

Read The Room: Clocking your Context Before the Crisis Hits
Track: Building Good Systems, Block E: Reflection and Renewal, 4/16, 1:15-2:30 PM
Presenter: Amanda Skofstad

We often talk about how to handle communications when a crisis is upon us, but what can we do TODAY to be better prepared for fiascos? In this workshop, we will look at information already available in your environment—including expertise, contacts, access, and policy—and how to strategically assemble it now.  We will also workshop example crises to see how these resources can bolster your response. 

Amanda Skofstad serves as director of news and public affairs for The Episcopal Church. Prior to joining the Church Center staff, she worked for six years in academic communications at the University of Notre Dame and spent a decade in religious and theological book publishing. Skofstad studied communications and theology as an undergraduate and holds an MFA in creative writing from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She lives in Chicago's Hyde Park. 

Sacred Space, Sacred Story: Using Place to Shape Messaging
Track: Telling Good News and Building Good Brands, Block D: Strategy and Impact, 4/16, 10:30-11:45 AM
Presenter: Lori Blewett & Jason Green

If your halls could talk, what would they say? In this workshop, you ’ll explore how to draw from history, architecture, landscape, and location, to craft messaging that reflects your ministry ’s identity and mission. Guest presenter Jason Green will share from his book Too Precious To Lose and the story of how three churches merged to embody a beloved community.

We ’ll explore ways to help deepen the connection between your message and the sacred space it inhabits. Rooted in the Strategy and Impact block and the Good Works theme, this workshop supports the Telling Good News and Building Good Brands tracks, offering thoughtful and creative takeaways for communicators working in a variety of settings.

Lori Blewett serves as director of communications at St. David ’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin, Texas, and is currently serving in her second term as an elected Episcopal Communicators board member. She has been a panelist, contributor, and organizer of multiple communications workshops, webinars, presentations, and events. She has also earned multiple Polly Bond Awards for her work on email newsletters, campaigns, graphic design, and photography. More importantly, she enjoys meeting new communicators and having fun with communicator friends near and far.

She has more than 30 years of communications experience in advertising, publishing, higher education, government, and non-profits. Advertising Age and Pensions & Investments magazines recognized Lori ’s talent and dedication to communications, which, throughout her career, has ranged from $2.2B retirement plans to community partnerships with Bank of America, Barnes & Noble, and Regal Cinemas. Most recently she was honored to design the collect art for Epiphany and the season after available on The Episcopal Church resource pages.

Jason G. Green is a Maryland-born community organizer, attorney, storyteller and entrepreneur. Green served as special assistant to the president, and associate White House Counsel to President Obama, advising on economic and domestic policy matters. Green co-founded SkillSmart, a company that reshapes how communities measure economic impact, and is CEO of EverGreen Labs, where he supports visionary organizations working to expand economic opportunity and strengthen community. Green serves as trustee to the Pleasant View Historic Association and supports its efforts to preserve the historic site. His award-winning documentary, Finding Fellowship, explores the rich history of Quince Orchard and the fight to preserve its legacy. A link to his book can be found here.

A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Yale Law School, Green remains rooted in the work of truth and justice, investing in stories that remind us who we are. He currently spends time between Maryland and Dallas, Texas, with his wife, Ritu, and son, Aidan.

Sustainable Workflows for Busy Communicators
Track: Building Good Systems, Block A: Foundations and Vision, 4/15, 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Presenter: Lori Blewett and Summerlee Walter

Juggling emails, social posts, bulletins, websites, and surprise requests? This workshop is designed for church communicators who need real-world strategies to stay sane and effective. You ’ll learn how to streamline content creation, set boundaries, automate repetitive tasks, and build editorial systems that flex with your ministry calendar, not against it. Grounded in the Foundations and Vision block and aligned with the Building Good Systems track, this session emphasizes practical tools that help you do more with less while rooting your work in sustainability. Whether you serve a parish, diocese, or organization, you ’ll leave with a workflow that supports both your calling and your well-being.

Lori Blewett serves as director of communications at St. David ’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin, Texas, and is currently serving in her second term as an elected Episcopal Communicators board member. She has been a panelist, contributor, and organizer of multiple communications workshops, webinars, presentations, and events. She has also earned multiple Polly Bond Awards for her work on email newsletters, campaigns, graphic design, and photography. More importantly, she enjoys meeting new communicators and having fun with communicator friends near and far.

She has more than 30 years of communications experience in advertising, publishing, higher education, government, and non-profits. Advertising Age and Pensions & Investments magazines recognized Lori ’s talent and dedication to communications, which, throughout her career, has ranged from $2.2B retirement plans to community partnerships with Bank of America, Barnes & Noble, and Regal Cinemas. Most recently she was honored to design the collect art for Epiphany and the season after available on The Episcopal Church resource pages.

Summerlee Walter has served as the communications coordinator in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina for 15 years. During her time as a communicator in The Episcopal Church, she has worked with more than 130 churches both within and outside the diocese to plan and refine their communications strategies, with a focus on sustainability regardless of size or resource level. In her free time, she volunteers with housing-related nonprofits and has served on multiple nonprofit boards.

Visual Storytelling: Photography, Video, and Design
Track: Building Good Brands and Launching Good Campaigns, Block B: Content in Action, 4/15, 2:30-3:45 PM
Presenter: Chris Tumilty

In a world where people scroll before they read, visuals are often your ministry ’s first impression. This workshop will equip you with practical techniques for capturing compelling photos, producing engaging video, and designing graphics that reinforce your message across platforms. Rooted in the Content in Action block and aligned with both the Building Good Brands and Launching Good Campaigns tracks, this session will help you develop visual content that is not only beautiful but strategic. Whether you ’re creating a social campaign, a thematic series, or a full rebrand, you ’ll leave with actionable tools to elevate the way your ministry tells its story.

Chris Tumilty serves as Director of Communications for the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, where they lead diocesan storytelling, digital strategy, media relations, and creative initiatives, including Courageous Love, Faith to Go, and congregational communications support. Chris began full-time diocesan work in 2007 with the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles and joined the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in 2020. With more than 18 years of experience, Chris helps churches share authentic stories, engage their communities, and communicate God ’s work with clarity and purpose. His work centers on equipping congregations to tell meaningful stories that build connection, discipleship, and trust. Chris is passionate about creative ministry that invites people to notice where God is already at work.