Message from Bishop Brian Cole
Dear East Tennessee Friends,
Greetings to you all in these last few days of Advent 2024.
I am writing you with good news that Cheryl Bullis will be joining us as our new Canon for Administration in early 2025. Cheryl was selected from a robust pool of candidates. I am grateful she will soon be exercising her gifts for administration with us.
This good news also comes with a poignant reminder that Mary Embler will be retiring after assisting in Cheryl’s onboarding to our team. Mary has been a blessing to our diocese. She possesses a heart and head oriented to help. And she has brought a prayerful spirit to our team and to Diocesan House. We will miss her and her dog, Bug.
In the coming days, you will hear more about how we will celebrate Mary’s tenure with us. For now, please keep Cheryl Bullis in your prayers as she prepares to relocate to East Tennessee from Massachusetts. And keep Mary and Doug (and Bug) in your prayers, as they continue to settle into a new home and a next chapter for them.
Peace,
+ Brian
Message from Cheryl Bullis
Dear Members of the Diocese of East Tennessee,
I am honored to introduce myself as the newly appointed Canon for Administration for the Diocese. With a strong background in finance, operations management, and project leadership, I am excited to bring my experience and skills to support the mission and ministry of our Diocese.
In my previous roles, including serving as Treasurer at Trinity Episcopal Church in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and as Business Manager at Pritchard Industries, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of financial management, budget oversight, and operational efficiency. I have worked with diverse teams and stakeholders to streamline processes, enhance financial transparency, and ensure sustainability in both church and corporate environments. These experiences have equipped me with the skills necessary to help the Diocese navigate its financial operations and strategic initiatives effectively.
Beyond my professional background, I bring a deep commitment to serving our community. I have been actively involved with Habitat for Humanity, where I served as Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Old Colony chapter, helping to raise funds for building homes for those in need. I also have a personal passion for photography, painting, writing, and baking, which I hope to share in my new role by contributing to the creative life of our church.
I look forward to working with all of you in advancing the mission of the Diocese of East Tennessee and supporting the clergy and lay leadership in their important work. I am eager to bring my skills and experience to the table, collaborate with you, and serve in this new capacity. Thank you for the warm welcome, and I look forward to meeting you soon.
Warm regards,
Cheryl