Diane Pound, who has served as executive assistant to Bishop Alan M. Gates for the past four years, has announced that she will be moving to California at the end of the year to be closer to her daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law in the Los Angeles area. She joined the diocesan staff in December 2006, providing administrative support for five years to Bishop Suffragan Bud Cederholm, and then to Bishop Suffragan Gayle Harris and former Canon to the Ordinary Mally Lloyd, before taking up her current role with the bishop diocesan.
“I could not have had a more dedicated and skilled executive assistant for these past four years,” Bishop Gates commented. “During my initial transition into the office of bishop, Diane’s deep knowledge of our diocese and her already established relationships with so many clergy and lay leaders served as a special gift. She has been unfailingly cheerful, competent and eager to serve. I know that all those who have counted on Diane’s expertise and support will miss her greatly, and will join me in sending her off with our deepest gratitude and blessing.”
Laura Simons has accepted Bishop Gates’s offer to become his new executive assistant. For the past five-and-one-half years, she has served as the administrator of Diocesan Convention and Council while additionally providing administrative assistance to the canon to the ordinary.
“Laura has served our diocesan governance bodies faithfully and well for more than five years. Her superb organizational skills and attention to detail will be greatly missed by our clergy and lay leaders who serve on the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council or on committees of those bodies, as well as those who are delegates to our Diocesan Convention,” Canon to the Ordinary Bill Parnell said. “I especially have valued her as a colleague who has supported my work over the past two-and-a half years, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with her as together we support the work of the bishop.”
Bishop Gates added: “I am grateful for the seamless transition that Laura will provide, and the benefit of her continuing commitment to our diocese in this new role.”
The search for an assistant for governance and administration will begin immediately. The position description can be found here. Resumes will be received until Monday, Nov. 5.