By Stuart Mann
Angela Hantoumakos, the diocese’s Executive Director, has decided to retire at the end of September. A keen cyclist, she says she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and getting out on her bike.
“I’ve loved working for the Church,” she says. “It’s been a privilege to work with the College of Bishops, the staff and so many dedicated clergy and parishioners. But I’ve been feeling for a while now that it’s time to change gears, and now seems like the right time to do it.”
The diocese’s Executive Director has oversight of all the administrative and program functions of the Diocesan Centre, including administration, archives, communications, congregational development, finance, human resources, property resources, stewardship development and social justice and advocacy.
Since joining the diocese in 2017, Ms. Hantoumakos has worked on several major initiatives. She has developed and facilitated a process to help the diocese make strategic decisions about church properties. She has also worked with the Governance and Decision-Making Working Group to propose changes to the diocese’s governance structure that would make its decision-making more efficient and focused on strategic initiatives.
“Angela has done an exemplary job in providing leadership and strategic thinking at a critical time in the life of our diocese,” says Bishop Andrew Asbil. “She is a person of deep faith, and that has come through in everything she has done. She’s been a wonderful presence at the Diocesan Centre.”
He adds: “Angela helped me greatly transition into my new role as diocesan bishop, and I am very grateful to her for that.”
Ms. Hantoumakos will be succeeded by Rob Saffrey, the Director of Operations and Finance at St. James Cathedral. Mr. Saffrey is no stranger to the diocese, having started as its comptroller in 1992 and eventually becoming its Director of Finance before moving to the cathedral in 2008.
Mr. Saffrey, who has worked with Ms. Hantoumakos on many occasions, says he intends to carry on the work she began. He praised her for her contributions to the diocese. “She sees the big picture and is very effective in working with large and complex organizations. She understands the decisions that need to be made, who needs to make those decisions and how to bring them forward in a timely way.”
He says he loves working at the cathedral and will miss it when he takes up his new position with the diocese in early October. During his time there, the cathedral underwent a major renovation project, in addition to expanding its outreach to the surrounding community. “I love being part of the community there. The staff and parishioners are great. It’s going to be tough to leave.”
Mr. Saffrey worked for Bishop Asbil when he was the dean of the cathedral from 2016 to 2018. He says that played a big part in his decision to accept the job at the diocese. “I really like Andrew’s vision for the Church and for the diocese. He is committed to the things that need to happen to help the Church at this time.”
Bishop Asbil says he is looking forward to working with Mr. Saffrey again. “Rob brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge of the Church. I’m delighted that he will be joining us.”
