Canon Robert Williams, who in July will mark four years as senior director in The Episcopal Church Center’s Office of Communications, has chosen to step down from this position effective Aug. 15.
 
The announcement was made by Linda E. Watt, chief operating officer on June 25. Plans call for naming an interim director and the subsequent selection of a successor through a search process that consults widely, she said.
 
“I move forward with gratitude, especially for our staff team and its strides in strengthening the delivery of online, print and media-relations resources,” Canon Williams said. “My role from the outset has been to help the communications office consolidate operations into a new infrastructure. With this accomplished, I now seek to devote more time to family and to new pursuits.”
 
While at the Episcopal Church Center, Canon Williams managed major initiatives including establishing daily Episcopal News Service postings via the enhanced Episcopal Life Online website and the wider Episcopal Life Media group. He oversaw the formation of Episcopal Books and Resources by merging former retail and fulfillment operations now anchored by the Church Center’s new bookstore-café. Other projects focused on website redesign, advertising, translation services and the consolidation of media relations works in the Church Center’s new Office of Public Affairs.
 
“I am sorry to see him go,” said Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori in accepting the resignation on June 25. “Bob has been a vital part of the leadership team at the Church Center, and I have counted him a friend and a colleague since my election in 2006. Bob has given abundantly of his talents in leading the communications work into a new level of excellence. I wish him well in his next chapter of ministry.”
 
Canon Williams was appointed communications director in 2005 by then Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, who in 2004 appointed him acting director of the department, and a member of the Church Center’s senior management team. He came to the Church Center as director of Episcopal News Service after serving 18 years on the staff of the Diocese of Los Angeles. Later this year, Canon Williams said he will consider new work, possibly in media and fund development, ideally specializing in poverty relief and international education.

 
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