Download a pdf version of this candidate list (which includes photos) here.

All members of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral congregation are invited to attend the 2025 Annual Meeting to elect new parish Vestry members and Delegates/Alternates to the Diocesan Convention. The agenda includes brief reports from parish leadership and committees, the presentation of awards, and the Dean’s address.

The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. and may be attended in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. A potluck meal will not be offered in 2025.

Who makes up the Vestry?

The Vestry currently consists of 17 members: 12 elected from Saint Mark’s Parish, three diocesan members appointed with the consent of the Bishop, the Dean who chairs the Vestry, and the Bishop of Olympia (or the bishop’s designated representative). Additionally, the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Treasurer, and Clerk serve with the Vestry as non-voting officers. All Vestry members are to be persons with demonstrated qualities of dedicated commitment to Saint Mark’s (or their own parish), leadership and vision with responsiveness to the needs, concerns and hopes of the world.

Vestry leadership resides with the Dean and individuals who are traditionally known as “Wardens”, together with other Vestry Officers. In accordance with the By-laws (Art. IV, sec. 1), the Senior Warden, the Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor (the Cathedral’s attorneys) are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Dean. The Junior Wardens, Clerk, and Treasurer are elected by the Vestry.

Each member serves for one three-year term. This year, the members completing their terms are: Wayne Duncan, Scott Hulet, Kristen Kelly, Justin Mills, and Tina Blondino (Diocesan Member from St. Michael & All Angels, Issaquah).

Changes to Election Rules

The Vestry has adopted slight changes to the Election Rules this year. The Annual Meeting will be called to order in Thomsen Chapel at 8 a.m. to take nominations from the floor (if any). Voting will occur by paper ballot only, either at the table in the narthex between 8:05 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or at the entry table in Bloedel Hall between 12:35–12:45 p.m.

Online voting for those joining the meeting via Zoom will no longer be available. Per cathedral by-laws, there is no early voting or proxy voting. Complete election rules are presented during the meeting.

Who can vote in the Parish Election?

The Second Restated Bylaws of St. Mark’s Cathedral Parish (Art. 1, sec. 3) provide:

In accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Olympia, “Parish Communicants” are those baptized persons who are faithful in corporate worship and who have received the Sacrament of Holy Communion at Saint Mark’s at least three times during the previous year (unless good cause prevented)...”;

“Parish Communicants in Good Standing” are those Parish Communicants age sixteen years or older, who are recorded contributors to the support of Saint Mark’s with money or with personal service... Unless subsequently defined otherwise by Diocesan or Episcopal Church canons, “Parish Electors” shall include all the Parish Communicants in Good Standing.”

About the Diocesan Convention

Each fall, more than 500 delegates from around Western Washington come together to conduct diocesan business, including electing individuals to offices and deputations, admitting new missions or parishes, and voting on resolutions. The Bishop also gives an annual address.

The 115th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia will be held online and is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Convention Delegates are a major link between the parish, the Vestry, and the Diocese, at both convention and other diocesan meetings. Delegates serve for two years. The 12 Delegates elected at the 2025 Annual Meeting will join the 12 delegates already elected in February 2024.

Nominating Committee

This committee is designated by the cathedral’s Constitution and Bylaws to present to the parish a list of nominees for the annual parish elections. The process involves careful vetting of all candidates as well as interviews with candidates for Vestry. This year’s committee is: Scott Hulet (chair & Vestry liaison), Maria Coldwell (co-chair), Carrie Davis, Jim Buskirk, Liz Shea, Adrienne Hubbard, Beatrix Hamm, and Dean Steve Thomason (ex officio). Questions? Contact: nominations@saintmarks.org

Candidates for Vestry

Kerry Allman

I am a fourth generation Episcopalian and son of an Episcopal priest. I came to St. Mark’s in 2006 after a three-year period where my wife and I attended every Episcopal Church in the diocese. I attend the 8 a.m. service where I am a chalice bearer as well as a lector and intercessor.

After a 26-year career in software development, I have spent the last 15 years on diocesan staff as the Internet Strategist for the diocese. My time on diocesan staff ended on January 1, 2025.

Mary Dickinson

I would be honored to serve St Mark’s on the Vestry. I’ve been coming to St. Mark’s since Cabbie Tennis was Dean a few decades ago. I currently serve as chalice bearer, intercessor, lector, and ALM (8 a.m. service). I am a retired CPA and have served on the boards of directors for other nonprofit organizations including Cathedral Associates and Seattle Shakespeare Company. I welcome the opportunity to be a more active part of our continued growth and development. I am inspired by the work already done to integrate future development with our strategic plan.

Sam Herring

My faith formation began at St. John’s in Olympia where I grew up and was nurtured in college through the vibrant chaplaincy of the Episcopal Church at Yale. In graduate school, I worshipped at the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge and served in feeding and youth ministries in the Boston area. I have attended St. Mark’s for over 15 years, and have participated as a lector and usher, in Radix groups, feeding ministries, and as a supporter of youth choir ministries—my daughter is a member of the Schola and Evensong choirs. I have also participated in a prayer group and men’s retreat. I am grateful to be the father of two teenage children, Anneka and Malcolm, and married to my wife, Lynn Noordam. Lynn is a nurse practitioner who works at Seattle Roots Community Health clinics.

I am a co-founder and leader of two learning and technology companies, and currently lead a collaborative learning software business, Intrepid by VitalSource. My board experience includes serving as a director of Intrepid Learning Solutions, the Association for Talent Development, and New Futures (now part of Southwest Youth and Family Services). I love spending time with my family and friends, being active outdoors (running, hiking, and bootcamp workouts), traveling, listening to music, and reading. I would be privileged to serve as a member of the St. Mark’s Vestry and contribute to this community that has given so much to me and my family.

Hannah Hochkeppel

Though I officially came to Saint Mark’s in January 2020, I have had the pleasure of being connected to the Cathedral through partnerships and non-profit work for more than a decade. Overthe past 5 years I have had the pleasure of diving into liturgical ministries, serving on the Restorative Justice and Intergenerational Councils, and supporting the Choir School as a musicianship tutor.

My professional work has me deeply engaged in interfaith and faith-based justice spaces in the greater Seattle area, as well as national and international work. My primary focus is running youth education and peacebuilding programs that foster learning and dialogue for young people and for intergenerational groups.

My husband Michael and I live in Kirkland with our dog Max and in our free time enjoy hosting friends and traveling! I am thrilled to stand for Vestry this year and the potential opportunity to dig deep into this aspect of cathedral life and operations.

Mark Lundquist

I first came to Saint Mark’s with my wife Kelly to check out the Compline service on a Sunday night in 2019. We’ve been attending worship regularly since then, and we were received into the Episcopal Church in 2024 on Cathedral Day! We live a block from the Cathedral, and our two daughters live nearby in Seattle with their husbands. I work as a physician at an Occupational Medicine/Urgent Care clinic, and I had a career as a software engineer before going to med school. I serve with the Liturgical Ministries team as a lector and intercessor, and I sometimes help Kelly with her volunteer work in the Gardening ministry. For fun, I enjoy music, food, indoor rock climbing, and doing various outdoor activities together with Kelly. I love Saint Mark’s, and I am motivated to help Saint Mark’s deepen its connections with parishioners and expand its impact in the community. I am honored to be nominated to the Vestry, and I would be blessed to serve you in this role.

Sarah McCord

I was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal church and began attending Saint Mark’s regularly since 2018 when I was reaffirmed in the church. Since then, I have served in the ushering ministry, the phase II discernment committee for Robert Stevens, and when my work schedule permits, bible study and the Radix Project. I have also attended a Wesleyan Small Group at Seattle Pacific University. I was very fortunate to be able to go on pilgrimage to Ireland and Iona last summer, a life-altering experience which brought my faith into focus and created bonds with my fellow pilgrims that both surprised and touched me.

I did my undergraduate work in Mathematics at MIT and graduate work in Applied Math at UW. After spending several years as a mathematician at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I now teach in the Seattle Pacific University math department. I volunteered helping children with math in elementary school when my children were very young, then homeschooled my three children for middle and high school. I volunteered in the Saturday Science Academy in Los Angeles many years ago, teaching math every Saturday to very bright minority kids who otherwise would not have a chance to have high level enrichment.

I live in a multigeneration household, with my husband and children and one grandchild and also have several family members in the area—the richness of my family has been the center of my life. As I get older, I am finding the complexity of maneuvering this life has surprised me, somehow both more painful and more delightful than I knew it would be. I want to explore God’s message and my own purpose, in part by being more involved with Saint Mark’s, learning more about theology and my place in the church.

Deborah Person

I turned to St. Mark’s during the darkest times of the pandemic, streaming services and regularly participating in morning and evening prayer. I remember being so comforted and inspired by the services and warmly welcomed into every virtual space I joined. It was an easy, joyful decision to be confirmed in the spring of 2021, and since then I have taken full advantage of many opportunities to serve and grow together. I currently am one of the worship leaders for morning and evening prayer, serve on the altar guild and as a chalice bearer, am on the Cathedral Foundation Board, and help in the kitchen whenever I get the chance. Previous service has included helping to lead our Meal Sharing Ministry, helping to organize our women’s retreats, and serving on the Stewardship committee.

Before retiring, my work life was devoted to the arts and nonprofit leadership, and most of that work was spent leading the Seattle International Film Festival—very much a calling in my life. I continue to support our arts community by serving on nonprofit boards, most recently Town Hall Seattle. I believe that my work vand volunteer experience combined with my love and care for our community here at St. Mark’s could make me a good fit for service on the Vestry. It’s my pleasure and honor to be considered as a candidate.

Christine Szabadi

I am a retired classical musician and teacher. After graduating from Trinity College of Music in 1963, I taught music in a girls’ high school as well as piano at the Westminster Abbey Choir School. Growing up in London, I attended public school where “scripture” was on the curriculum and daily services were the norm. Attracted initially by the liturgy of the Anglican church, I joined at the age of 13 and was confirmed by the Bishop of Chelmsford a year later. After I married my husband and I moved to Basel, Switzerland, where I attended the Anglican church in the chapel at Basel Cathedral. When we arrived in the USA I joined the Episcopal Church in New Jersey (Diocese of Newark). There I sang in the choir as soloist, was lector and intercessor and served two years on the Vestry . In this country I have served on several Boards of Directors, including The Professional Music Teachers’ Guild of New Jersey and Seattle Opera Guild, both of which I served as President. In New Jersey, I also ran a successful piano studio. Since I came to St. Mark’s I truly feel I have come home. I would be proud and honored to represent you on the Vestry .

Candidates for Diocesan Convention Delegate

Clara Berg

I’ve been an active member of St. Mark’s for over a decade and served on the Vestry from 2020 to 2023 (including two years as Junior Warden). I was drawn to Saint Mark’s for the music program and the liturgy, and stayed for the inclusive theology and community. I am a member of the Cathedral Choir and the Evensong Choir, serve on the finance committee, and help teach the youth confirmation classes. I have a master’s degree in fashion history and museum studies and work as the Curator of Collections at the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a convention delegate and learn more about the work of the Diocese.

Luciano Falzone

Luciano Falzone is an 11th grader enrolled at Nova High School, also taking classes at Bellevue College. He presently sings baritone for both the Evensong and Schola choirs, having begun his journey at the church singing for the Senior Choristers over 6 years ago. He is captivated by philosophy and religion having studied it more deeply at St. John’s college this past summer, and hopes to incorporate the two in his pursuits such as ultimate frisbee, ethics bowl, and the mock trial team he is starting at his school. He is deeply appreciative of the guidance and support that St. Mark has given him over the years, and is enthused to be able to give back to and engage the community to the best of his ability as delegate.

Stone Fennell

I was born and raised in Seattle, and did not grow up in a faith community. I joined Saint Mark’s in the Summer of 2023, while starting a master’s program at the University of Washington. I was first involved in the Lowell Ministry, having volunteered at Lowell the previous year, and having attended Lowell many, many years before that. I am continually impressed by the kindness and generosity of the Saint Mark’s community, and I am constantly meeting new people who support this community in different ways. In the Meals Ministry, I’ve been able to serve at the Saint Martin de Porres shelter, at Teen Feed. It also helped me see how ministries can work together, when the Meals Ministry made a meal for dozens of students and their families during the Lowell Math Night. Through Saint Mark’s, I’ve been able to participate in the Operation Nightwatch Street Ministry. This ministry gives me valuable perspective on the experiences of vulnerable people in Seattle, which continues to be something Seattle struggles with. Most recently, I’ve joined the Affordable Housing Committee. Affordable housing is something which very strongly affects the Lowell community, food access, and homelessness, and Saint Mark’s is showing fantastic initiative in addressing this. I would be excited to connect to the larger Episcopal community as a convention delegate. Thank you!

Kate Halamay

My name is Kate Halamay and I have been attending St. Mark’s since about 2011. I live in Wallingford with my mischievous tuxedo cat Olive. A lifelong Episcopalian, I grew up attending church with my grandmother at St. David’s Episcopal Church on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Starting with college and continuing through many moves, I have always been fortunate to find a local Episcopal church where I could worship and return to the familiar rhythms of the liturgy. A pediatrician by trade, I moved to Seattle in 2006 to start my pediatrics residency at Seattle Children’s/UW and never left! After trying out a few churches during residency, I found my spiritual home at St. Mark’s a few years after finishing my training. I am truly grateful for the vibrant and loving community I have found here and who has embraced me with open arms. I currently serve as an acolyte and verger and also help to lead and organize activities for the 40s/50s group at St. Mark’s. I have participated in a couple of Radix groups and prior to the pandemic volunteered at Noel House before it moved offsite. I have served as a delegate to convention three times before and have loved getting to participate in the governance and decision making that affects our local diocese. I would be honored to represent you at Diocesan Convention once again.

Carleton MacDonald

My wife Karen and I moved to Maple Valley in February 2019, and I began attending Saint Mark’s right after that, joining the Saint Mark’s Singers at the 9 a.m. service where I sing tenor. I have served one term as diocesan delegate for Saint Mark’s, found it very fulfilling (especially as we took part in the special convention last May to elect the new diocesan bishop), and would love the opportunity to serve again. In my prior church in Maryland I served a term on the Vestry and three years as diocesan delegate for our parish, attending convention at Washington National Cathedral. Taking part in activities that support the work of the church and the diocese is something I truly enjoy. Karen and I are both retired from our respective careers as a school teacher and Amtrak manager and spend our days reading, visiting family, and traveling from time to time.

Hilary McLeland-Wieser

Hilary McLeland-Wieser is a PhD student studying Public Health at the University of Washington. A Seattle area native, she has attended Saint Mark’s since she moved back to the area from Washington, DC in 2022. Hilary is involved with the 20s and 30s group at Saint Mark’s and is a member of the stewardship committee. She also serves as an usher and an acolyte at the 11am service. In her free time, Hilary enjoys baking and knitting.

Michael Perera

I’ve been attending Saint Mark’s for nine years, and have previously served on the Vestry and as a convention delegate. I am currently a member of the diocese’s Commission on Ministry. As our diocese moves into the future with our new bishop, I am excited and humbled (if chosen) to represent our beloved cathedral community at diocesan convention.

David Poortinga

David grew up in Arlington, Washington, and was raised in the Christian Reformed Church. He has been a church pianist since he was a teenager. He studied political science at Colgate University in Hamilton, New York. While attending graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh in 2016, he discovered the Episcopal Church and fell in love with Anglican liturgy and music. David has been an active member of St. Mark’s since mid-2023 and was confirmed at Cathedral Day in 2024. He is grateful for friendships formed at St. Mark’s and a sense of belonging and community. He is involved in a number of ministries, serving as the Taizé ministry coordinator, a musicianship tutor for the choir school, and a member of the 20s/30s visioning group. He is an avid birdwatcher and has led a couple of bird walks for St. Mark’s events. He currently lives in Ravenna and works as a piano and music instructor.

Barbara Selberg

Although I have been a member for many years, I am still impressed by the warmth, skills and talents of the congregation that is Saint Mark’s. I now serve as a greeter (an activity that I can recommend to any member). In the past, I have been a member of the Usher, Flower, and Chalice Bearer Ministries. I have also been a convention delegate ( a role I would enjoy performing again).

John Selberg

Saint Marks, a place of joy and wonderment, has been my spiritual home for the last twenty years. My current ministries include greeters, chalice bearers, Facilities Committee, and Habitat for Humanity. It is a special privilege to be a candidate for becoming a representative to the Diocesan Convention.

Alexandra Thompson

I have so many questions about how the Diocese does its work and being a delegate to the Diocese would be a great way for me to learn. I am interested in budgets and policy and have a solid professional public policy background. I have a lot of energy around this and I enjoy sharing with others what I have learned.

David Thompson

I joined St. Mark’s in 2014, drawn, as so many are, by the liturgical tradition coupled with a commitment to social justice. I usually attend the 9 a.m. service and have served on the ushering team, as a lector/intercessor, and on the 2020 Strategic Planning Committee. I’ve completed the four-year cycle of Education for Ministry and have participated in two Radix groups. I would be honored to serve as a delegate to the Diocesan Convention, learning more about the wider context for the cathedral’s role in the Diocese.