Leadership Transition, Gathering of Leaders
Fellow Leaders,
On behalf of the Board of The Gathering of Leaders (GOL), I write to share with you some significant GOL news; as of January, our marvelous Executive Director, Haley Bankey, will leave The Gathering of Leaders. This transition follows the end of GOL’s partnership with The Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF), a partnership which had provided GOL with the financial stability and resources to fund this Executive Director position. Haley is now preparing to embark on an exciting new chapter of service to the wider church, with details to be shared soon. We will miss Haley’s energy, vision, adaptive leadership, and presence, and I share this news with you today in profound gratitude for Haley’s work with GOL, and with hope-filled expectation for new creative leadership in GOL, as we move into the future. (Yes, a transition rooted in our GOL Core Values.)
Haley began her tenure as GOL’s Executive Director in October 2017, bringing energy and vision to her role as the sole staff member at that time. She dedicated herself to nurturing relationships across the church, coordinating all Gatherings, spearheading fundraising efforts, and managing the many administrative responsibilities required to sustain and grow the organization. Thanks to her leadership and a grant from Trinity Church, Haley helped expand the team to include Alicia Hager, Liz Brauza Hughes, and Theresa Phares in part-time capacities, enabling GOL to pursue an ambitious vision for the future.
Haley has led GOL’s efforts to more widely connect and deeply engage leaders in the church, facilitating our move from an invitation-only model to an open inquiry model, and facilitating the launch of the Bi-vocational and Lay Leader networks, which have brought renewed energy, creativity, and hope to the organization by complementing the work of our clergy leaders. Additionally, Haley played a pivotal role in securing a grant from the Roanridge Trust, which will allow GOL to host a Gathering for rural leaders in 2025.
The Gathering of Leaders has experienced tremendous growth and transformation during Haley’s seven years of leadership, and we are profoundly thankful for her contributions. We extend our heartfelt best wishes as she moves into her new role, confident that her gifts will continue to bless the wider church.
Looking ahead, the Board of The Gathering of Leaders will convene in Washington, D.C., in early January 2025 to prayerfully discern the next steps in GOL’s journey. Plans for our 2025 Gatherings are well underway, with deposits secured and registrations ongoing.
In gratitude for Haley’s exceptional leadership and dedication to GOL, we invite you to participate in our Forward Fund. Your contributions will honor Haley’s legacy while supporting the ongoing mission and growth of GOL. We are deeply thankful for the generosity already shown and encourage continued participation to help ensure a vibrant future for the organization.
We look forward to sharing updates about our leadership strategy and the opportunities ahead as the future of GOL unfolds beyond this transition. On behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere gratitude for your continued support and engagement with The Gathering of Leaders. May peace and prosperity bless you in the new year.
Sincerely,
