Staff Transitions

by | Jul 9, 2020

July is a time of transition among the diocesan staff.  

The Rev. Daryl Lobban, who first came to us as Missioner for Communications in 2018 and this year moved to serve as Missioner for Advocacy and Justice, has accepted the position of National Director of Strategic Partnerships at One America Movement, an organization dedicated to building societal resilience to polarization. It’s mission is “to bring people together across political, racial, and religious divides to work together to address issues in communities across the country.” While we’re sad to see Daryl go, we’re thrilled for him and those he will serve in this new ministry. Daryl’s last day with the diocese is July 17th. We will miss his joyful spirit, wisdom, and passion for justice. 

Mr. Don Crane, who joined the staff in January 2019 as Interim Chief Operating Officer and Special Counsel to the Bishop, quickly earned the respect and affection of all in the diocese. Don has worked tirelessly to equip congregational leaders, and to strengthen nearly every aspect of diocesan ministry. After 18 months in what we thought was a 6-month position, Don is attempting retirement once more. We’re happy for him and for his life partner and best friend Gail, and that he is still among us as an active member of St. Columba’s. Don’s last day is July 30.  

This month we also officially welcome the Rev. Jenifer Gamber, who joins the diocesan staff as Special Missioner for the School for Christian Faith and Leadership. In truth, Jenifer has been working as a clergy leader in the diocese since her ordination to the priesthood in June, 2019, and before that as an active lay leader with a particular passion for helping children, youth and adults grow in faith, and live their faith in ways that change the world. Most recently, Jenifer served as Associate Rector and Chaplain at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Day School. 

Please join us in thanking Don and Daryl for their ministries among us, and in officially welcoming Jenifer to the diocesan staff. 


Farewell messages from Daryl and Don:

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 
Hebrews 11

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my departure from the Diocesan staff, to pursue an exciting opportunity to help reduce the increasing polarization in our country. I have loved my ministry with you to make God’s preferred vision of justice and love a reality. 

My decision to leave is a response to what I believe is a clear call from the Lord to start a new chapter in my life. So in this way, I join the ranks of the ancestors who listened and believed God, and went to another space trusting that God–who started the good work–will complete it. Please continue to hold me in your prayers as I will continue to pray for you. 

A luta continua!
Daryl Lobban


In January 2019, I was honored to be asked by the Bishop to serve as the interim Chief Operating Officer of the Diocese. Eighteen months and an epoch of events later, it is a fit time to conclude my ‘six-month’ term of office. The past year and a half have been exciting and challenging, but above all a privilege to work with such a profoundly committed, congenial, and talented group of clergy and lay leaders. Please accept my gratitude for welcoming me to the Diocese–with special thanks to the diocesan staff, and to the governance body leadership–without whose support I could not have accomplished any of the modest achievements of my tenure. I take leave with a gift of greater insight into the depth and vitality of the Episcopal Church, and its significance in our Society.  

For a long time, it seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time to still be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.
– Father Alfred D’Souza

I look forward to new challenges, if not obstacles. I am now able to devote my attention to my family and to personal goals long postponed, with guidance from the Holy Spirit for my wife and me on the next stage of this journey.  

Peace,
Donald Crane