Voting Will Be October 24-25, 2026

Voting will open and you will be able to cast your ballot here after 4:30pm on October 24 through end-of-day October 25, 2026. All baptized members of the parish, in good standing, who are 18 years old or older are invited to vote in the annual parish-wide election. The option to vote in-person will be available before and after each service. Feel free to learn more about our candidates below.

Check back here on Saturday, October 24 after 4:30pm to vote.

Louis Isaac Guion IV

I was born in Lubbock, baptized at St. Paul's and pretty much dropped out of church life. I grew up in Dallas but went to college at Texas Tech. I followed in my Dad's footsteps and leveraged the Decade Plan. I had a LOT of fun in college and met Gabrielle. I graduated college, stopped drinking, started working, and married Gabrielle. This was facilitated by developing a relationship with God. We had children and started attending Transfiguration. Gabrielle is an excellent mother and our children turned out well. We have lived within our means and God has blessed me with the opportunity to retire. I got my Corvair running again. It's time to figure out what retired life looks like for the two of us now that she is retiring.

Years at Transfiguration: 21
Years as an Episcopalian: 63

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:
Current

• Breakfast Club (defunct Childrens' ministry from the GayeLynn
• Huddleston era) 6 years
• The Way (Confirmand & then Wayfarer) 4 years
• Youth Confirmation (Liberty Ford & Fr Roper) 1 year
• Youth Formation 9 years
• BFA Committee (Robin Caldwell Chair) 4 years
• BGT Committee ( Olga Ruff Chair) 2 years
• Carpenters Guild 3 years

Past Churches:

• I spent the first 40 years of life avoiding the church in general. As such, I do not have a list of prior church affiliations. My active church life has been centered at The Fig.

Diocesan and National Church:

• None

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Human Resources professional and IT Infrastructure manager previously.

Community and Professional Activities:

I spent my professional career working for internal service organizations. Namely, Human Resources and Information Technology Infrastructure. In both professions the focus was on providing the best services possible to internal customers, i.e. the company's employees, at the most reasonable and sustainable cost possible. Both roles required balancing long term objectives with cost considerations and identifying how to do the most good possible with limited resources. Success in these positions involved understanding complex problems, identifying subtle opportunities and designing processes and procedures which met organizational needs. Success frequently resulted when good communications were combined with strong written policies and procedures. I have some budgeting experience also. I feel my activities in the church have helped me work with people beginning their spiritual journey and helping coach them along. Since 2020 I have been more involved with the long term development of our church through participation in the BFA and BGT committees.

Gifts, Talents and Experience:

I can be a good listener. I have good interpersonal skills and can productively work through problems. I attempt to approach problems in a logical yet compassionate manner. I like solving problems and seeing growth result. You can take me out in public and you will rarely regret it.

Leadership Experience:

I have been content in support roles at Transfiguration. I usually prefer not to be the focus of attention. I try to lead by setting a good example and conducting myself with the highest level of integrity possible. In the work place I aways tried to treat my employees with respect, never ask them to do something I would not be comfortable doing and recognize that each one brought a skill or gift to the table that I did not. Determining how to best use those gifts, and yet still successfully work with the person to meet the business goal, is a rewarding challenge. Understanding that the need to compromise is essential to success and doing so while preserving your integrity is necessary in life is an important life lesson we should all learn.

What drew you?:

I have been asked to consider serving and I was taught that you should serve when asked even if it's not your first inclination.I

Formation and Inspiration:

I try to pray and mediate on a daily basis. Some days are better than others. I attempt to live absent of anger. I attempt to recognize when I am out of sorts with the world, identify the cause if possible, and seek God's assistance in getting back in synch with the world. Letting go of anger, seeking to do God's will rather than my own and finding a way to be of service to others are generally good prescriptions for living a happy and productive life.

Mary Carolyn Lewis

Born in Jackson, Mississippi and grew up in Savannah Georgia. I was raised as a Southern Baptist and was very active in our church there. I went to college in Raleigh, North Carolina, attending Meredith, a Baptist Women's College. I have a Liberal Arts degree majoring in Home Economics and American History along with some post graduate work in marketing. I became dissatisfied with the values of the Southern Baptists and converted to the Episcopal church. I worked in North Carolina until a job transfer moved me to Dallas. I lived in Dallas and traveled extensively as a Sales and Marketing Manager, before retiring in 2021. Currently I work part time with Holifield Nature Center and Central Market Cooking School as well as consulting with my former company. My hobbies include watercolor painting, Japanese flower arranging, museums and theater.

Years at Transfiguration: 25
Years as an Episcopalian: 40

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:
Current

• Guild – Current 15+ years
• Daughters of the King – Current 2 years
• Lector – Current 20+ years
• Lay Eucharist Minister – 11 years
• Second Half – 3 Years
• SWANS – 3 years
• Endowment – 1 year
• Transfigured Nights Board – 2 years
• Needlepoint Guild – 2 years
• Handbells – 1 year

Past Churches:

St Francis Episcopal Church, Greensboro, NC (1993-1995)

Diocesan and National Church:

• None

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Sales, Marketing and Management

Community and Professional Activities:

Professional (Preretirement): Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Educational Health Care Publishers. Responsible for budgeting, project management, personnel management, and setting and attainable sales goals. Managed sales teams of 8-12 representatives. Proficient with Excel, PowerPoint, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Survey Monkey and emailing programs. Prepared and presented sales and informational presentation to program chairs, deans and other C-level executives. Proficient with all phases of a "needs-based" sales process and establishing a profitable sales pipeline.

Volunteer and Part-time (Post Retirement): Texas Master Naturalist and Outdoor Education Instructor – Holifield Nature Center. Responsible for educational programs and activities supporting the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within the Plano and North Texas communities. At Holifield Nature Center (part of Plano ISD) our mission is to educate Plano ISD learners through nature-centered experiences to foster a sense of responsibility for the natural world and to increase awareness of human interconnectedness to the natural environment.

Additional Part-time (Post Retirement): Instructor at Central Market Cooking School. Responsible for preparation, presentation and coaching customers in food and recipe preparation. Able to encourage and support adult learners to successfully acquire new culinary skills and try unfamiliar foods and recipes.

Gifts, Talents and Experience:

In addition to the management skills and techniques, I think one of the overlooked traits that I bring to the group is a sense of humor. The opportunity to see the absurd and laugh about it lessens stress and helps bring people together.

I also enjoy supporting and encouraging others to learn new skills and try different things. Many adults heard as children comments like "you didn't do a very good job with that," or "you can't do that" and they accepted that limitation. I strongly believe that everyone can achieve more than they imagine with coaching and inspiration. Perhaps they will not be successful (I have never learned to sing) and that's okay, but each of us learns more about ourselves and gains confidence by trying something new.

Leadership Experience:

The consistent themes running through my professional and postretirement activities are the ability to manage and motivate people by positive reinforcement and encouragement. I enjoy solving problems and coming up with alternative solutions that can satisfy multiple needs. I believe in listening to a variety of opinions and helping the group to reach a consensus. Then with a defined goal in mind, I can organize and guide the project through to completion. I strongly believe in delegation and each team member taking a stake in the successful competition of the process. I think one of the most important traits that a leader can have is the ability to ask questions, listen carefully to each person, then communicate a transparent action plan.

What drew you?:

I am drawn to serving on the vestry by a deep love and commitment to the Fig, our people and mission. This church is unique in our embracing care and love of all of God's children. As a single person, The Fig is my default family. I know that I can reach out and ask for help and I will be overwhelmed by the response and support I receive. So now is the time for me to work for our future growth and to enable us to continue to Seek and Serve Christ in All Persons.

Formation and Inspiration:

In addition to worship services, I try to maintain daily prayer and meditation. Reading the Bible, I use some of the techniques from Godly Play to build a deeper understanding of the message presented. Asking myself questions like "I wonder what part of this story is most important?" and "I wonder what part of this story is about me?" helps me to think more about the passage and understand how something written thousands of years ago can be relevant to me today. This discovery and critical thinking allow me to have a deeper appreciation of God's word.

Jeffrey Garland Button

Jeff Button is a baptized Episcopalian, long-time member of Transfiguration, Parish Episcopal School graduate (2008), and public health professional who has a passion for positively impacting the lives of other people. Jeff has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and is currently employed by Texas Health Resources' Community Health Improvement (CHI) team, where he serves as a Program Manager for Collin County. After several years away from the Church, Jeff returned to Transfiguration in the Fall of 2021 and reaffirmed his baptismal vows in May 2022 after going through "The Way". Since then, Jeff has served on various ministries at The Fig, including the Young Adults Fellowship and Eucharistic Visitors. In his free time, Jeff is an avid sports fan, voracious reader, movie buff, and exercise enthusiast.

Years at Transfiguration: 30
Years as an Episcopalian: 37

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:
Current

• Eucharistic Visitor – 3 years
• Young Adult Fellowship Leader – Almost 2 years
• "Being With" Group Leader/Facilitator – 1 year
• Discernment Committee for Danielle Shroyer – 1 year
• The Way – 2 years
• Mexico Pilgrimage – 2 different years
• Usher – About a year (no longer active)
• Fig Tech – 1 year (no longer active)
• Stephen Ministry – 1 year (no longer active)

Past Churches:

• None

Diocesan and National Church:

• Diocesan Convention Delegate (2025 and 2026)

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Program Manager

Community and Professional Activities:

In my role as a Program Manager at Texas Health Resources, in which I oversee grant-funded public health programs, I have the privilege of bringing together non-profit and community-based organizations that represent a variety of sectors (i.e., healthcare, food, behavioral health) to holistically address community health issues. Therefore, my experience in connecting and convening community-based organizations to fulfill my employers' mission might make me an ideal candidate for the Mission, Ministry, and Connections Committee.

In addition, as a leader of the Young Adult group at the Fig the past couple of years, I have wanted to find ways to grow the young adult community by engaging with young adults who are new and/or curious about the church.

Gifts, Talents and Experience:

According to my CliftonStrengths' Assessment, my top 5 strengths include:

1. 1. Harmony – I look for consensus and guide people toward practical solutions.
   2. Maximizer – I consistent ask "How can we make this better?" and push for excellence.
   3. Relator – I enjoy close relationships and find deep satisfaction in working hard with friends to achieve a goal.
   4. Developer – I recognize and cultivate the potential in others. I spot signs of small improvements and love seeing someone make progress.
   5. Connector – I believe everything is linked and that there are few coincidences. I believe everything happens for a reason.

Four of my five strengths fall into the "Relationship Building" theme, which means I have a knack for building strong relationships that hold a team together.

Leadership Experience:

As mentioned previously, I have been a leader of the Young Adults Fellowship at the Fig for close to 2 years. At a time when the group was struggling with consistent events and attendance, I decided to join with a couple of other young adults to re-start the group at the beginning of 2025. Since then, I have helped plan, organize, and facilitate monthly events for the young adults.

In my professional role at Texas Health, as mentioned previously, I oversee grant-funded public health programs that are being implemented by non-profit and community-based organizations from various sectors that are working together.

In my leadership roles at both The Fig and Texas Health, one of my most important qualities has been my ability to build strong relationships in order to foster trust on a personal level and consensus on a group level. I have also had to utilize effective planning, organizational, and communication skills.

What drew you?

My Dad, Bob Button, served on the Vestry at Transfiguration for about a decade and has shared with me how meaningful his time on the Vestry was. I also was recently contacted by Mike Mignardi who spoke glowingly about his time on the Vestry and encouraged me to apply if I felt called to do so.

After much reflection, I feel called to serve on the Vestry so that I can share my spiritual gifts and talents for the benefit of the church. Transfiguration is a wonderfully unique place and I would love to do my part to help the church grow and thrive for years to come.

If elected to the Vestry, I am excited about the possibility of building lasting relationships, contributing to the growth of the church, and deepening my spiritual formation.

Formation and Inspiration:

Something I have recently enjoyed is leading and facilitating "Being With" courses for relatively new members at The Fig. "Being With" is small group that explores the core themes of Christianity at their very heart, such as Jesus, church, the Bible, and prayer.

As their website describes – "Being With is for anyone who's curious about faith-or wondering if the Christian faith has something meaningful to offer. It's for those who feel on the edge of church life – disconnected, hurt, uncertain, or simply searching for something deeper. It's also for those who've never explored faith before but feel open to discovering more together with others."

At the heart of the course is the idea that the time Jesus spent on earth was simply being with people. So when we learn to be present and practice listening well to each other, something beautiful happens, and we may also being to discover more about who Jesus is.

What I have enjoyed most about the course is it offers everyone in the group an opportunity to share their personal stories and how they connect with the core themes of Christianity. It is an innovative spiritual formation opportunity that has helped me continue to form and inspire my faith.

Julian Garza Jr.

Julian is retired after a distinguished career that includes 12 years as a strategy consultant at Accenture, followed by 20+ years as a senior executive leading customer insights and customer experience organizations within the healthcare and mortgage industries. Throughout, he focused on building growth strategies that created meaningful, lasting connections. He holds a BA in Economics from Yale University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.

He and his husband, Barry, live in Dallas and have called Transfiguration home for over 5 years, where Julian has served on the MMC Vestry Committee and Stewardship Committee, and focused much of his energy on welcoming and integrating new members. He brings a deep appreciation for hospitality and a strong sense of what makes a faith community special and one of distinction.

Julian enjoys cooking, fine dining, and travel with Barry.

Years at Transfiguration: 5
Years as an Episcopalian: 16

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:
Current

• Worship
  • Lector – Have served as worship lector and intercessor for the past 5 years.
  • Daily Office Leader – 2 years; have led Compline prayer on Monday nights for the past 2 years. Taking break now due to recent surgeries, but act as a sub for morning and compline prayers as needed and will return to fulltime schedule when fully recovered.
• New Member Onboarding / Connections Ministry
  • MMC Vestry Committee Member – 3 years. Particular focus on new member onboarding and engagement, 2022–2025: created a new member journey/onboarding program; revised, updated, and delivered the new Greeter/Usher training program.
  • Newly formed Connections Committee — member of a new organization to turbocharge member engagement with a goal to create greater parish member engagement in our ministries.
• Promoting Parish Connection
  • "Sharing Faith Dinners" – 2 years. Key lead and parish coordinator to design, launch, and execute Sharing Faith Dinners with the Transfiguration, Ascension, and St. Thomas parishes that was generally regarded as a success, and will become an annual event.
  • Foyer Groups – Have participated in the Foyer Group program for 5 years.
  • Episcopal Men's Fellowship – Active for the past 4 years, particularly in support of the Fish Fry; have hosted a dinner that has become a "sought after" event.
  • Open Door Fellowship – 5 years.
  • Transfigured Nights Patron – 2 years.
• Financial Stewardship: Stewardship Committee – 3 years, 2022–2025. Active member of the Stewardship Committee. Provided extensive concept and rollout support for the 2025 campaign, "The Power of We: Grace in Action." Served as key speaker for the campaign kickoff.
• Outreach — Austin Street Ministries – 2 years.

Past Churches:

• Formation for Lay Leadership: Successfully completed the Education for Ministry (EfM) program, a 4-year program conducted through The University of the South, School of Theology (Sewanee). Started at Christ Church Cathedral (Nashville), then finished at the Cathedral of St. Philip (Atlanta). Would like to bring similar program or the new one year "Wide Angle" program to Transfiguration.

• Leader of the Greeters Ministry: Christ Church Cathedral (Nashville) – 4 years; Palmer Episcopal (Houston) – 2 years

• Lector – Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville (4 years); Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta (3 years); All Saints Episcopal, Atlanta (3 years)

• Verger – All Saints Episcopal, Atlanta (3 years)

• Eucharistic Minister – All Saints Episcopal, Atlanta (3 years)

• New Member Integration (equivalent of "The Way") Served as a member, then became a small group leader. I casually joke that in the 16 years since being received into the Episcopal Church, I've been affirmed more times than anyone I know. Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville – 3 years; Palmer Episcopal, Houston – 2 years

Diocesan and National Church:

• None

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

Customer Experience and Insights Business Executive/ Strategic Consultant

Community and Professional Activities:

I bring a combination of strategic leadership, customer experience excellence, and lived commitment to parish life. My career in customer experience leadership across healthcare and banking trained me in a consultative approach: bringing a strategic perspective, diagnosing issues at their root rather than their symptoms, and driving action-oriented execution.

As Transfiguration works through its 5-year strategic plan, I want to highlight that strategy development is a specific area of expertise for me — I've led and contributed to strategic planning efforts for major corporations as well as cities, and I understand what it takes to move a plan from vision to a workable, well-sequenced set of priorities.

I've already put this experience to work here: three years on the MMC Vestry Committee focused on new member onboarding, where I designed our new member journey program and rebuilt our Greeter/Usher training. I've helped launch cross-parish "Sharing Faith Dinners," served on the Stewardship Committee through the "Power of We" campaign, and led Compline on Monday nights.

I also bring a somewhat unusual perspective: I've been a member of seven Episcopal churches , and I perpetually feel like the newcomer, even after years in a parish. That gives me real empathy for what it feels like to walk in as a stranger, and an "outside perspective" — a working knowledge of best practices across churches to create community distinction and member engagement.

Gifts, Talents and Experience:

Leadership & Administration: My career leading strategic planning for major corporations and cities has given me the ability to motivate people toward common goals and organize a body around long-term purpose — not just visioning, but the discipline of keeping people on task and moving a plan from paper to execution. As Transfiguration builds its 5-year strategic plan, this is where I believe I can serve most directly.

Great communicator: Have the ability to communicate clearly and passionately in all channels of communication. Expert in translating deep data analytics into "the so what".

Hospitality: Welcoming newcomers and integrating them into the life of the church is where I feel most called. I've designed Transfiguration's new member journey program, rebuilt our Greeter/Usher training, and helped launch cross-parish Sharing Faith Dinners — all in service of making people feel they belong.

Creating greater parish engagement: I perpetually feel like the newcomer myself, even after years in a parish. That's given me genuine empathy for those walking in as strangers, and an outside perspective on what it takes to build one that is truly vital, welcoming, and successful. As a member of the Connections committee, we seek to get parish members more engaged in our ministries to grow as leaders.

Together, I believe these gifts equip me to help the Vestry pair strategic clarity with overall parish engagement.

Leadership Experience:

At Transfiguration, I've led by taking on initiatives and seeing them through: architecting our new member onboarding effort, serving as a key leader for the 2025 stewardship campaign, and stepping up weekly as a Compline leader — a small but steady form of pastoral leadership.

Outside the church, I spent my career leading customer experience organizations within healthcare and mortgage companies, building and directing teams responsible for how thousands of people experienced those organizations day to day. That meant setting direction, holding teams accountable to it, and adjusting course when results didn't match intent.

What's made me effective is a combination of decisiveness and listening: I move initiatives forward rather than letting them stall in discussion, but I get there by genuinely hearing what people need first. I lead by taking ownership rather than waiting to be asked, and I care as much about how people feel led as whether the goal gets met.

What drew you?:

I was drawn to the Vestry because I'm already invested in the questions it wrestles with — how we welcome people well, how we steward what we've been given, and how we set a course for where this parish is headed. Serving on the MMC Vestry Committee and Stewardship Committee gave me a taste of that work, and I want to go deeper.

What excites me most is the timing: Transfiguration is building its 5-year strategic plan, and that's exactly the kind of work I love — turning a shared vision into concrete action items. I also want to keep pushing on how we onboard and integrate new members, since that's where I feel this parish can grow most.

Beyond the specific projects, I'm excited simply to serve this community more fully. Transfiguration has given me a place to belong and is very special place to me. Barry and I were married here. Deep friendships have been formed. I'm part of the Legacy Society.

I want to this special continues to grow, prosper, and become nationally recognized.

Formation and Inspiration:

Beyond Sunday worship, my faith is shaped through a few consistent practices. Leading Compline prayer on Monday nights has become one of the most grounding parts of my week — the quiet, contemplative rhythm of that service pulls me out of the noise of daily life and back into stillness with God, gathering a consistently small group together in prayer. Completing the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program deepened my theological grounding and gave me tools to keep wrestling with scripture and tradition long after the coursework ended. I'm constantly looking for new books, courses, or formation programs to learn and grow.

I also find that my faith is formed relationally — through Foyer Groups, Sharing Faith Dinners, and simply gathering people around a table. I've come to believe that hospitality is itself a spiritual practice; when I'm hosting or helping someone feel welcomed, I experience that as an act of faith as much as an act of service.

Becky McMillen Sans

I'm a native Dallasite and grew up in Farmers Branch. I was confirmed in St Andrew's and was very active in the Jr & Sr EYC. I was married at St Andrew's, and both my children were baptized there.
I began my career with Southwestern Bell in 1974 in a "man's profession", climbing poles and entering manholes. After I married a Black man in the 70's my eyes were opened to the innate prejudice White people have against POC. I was very active in the Cursillo Movement and sang in the Folk Mass Group at Epiphany. Unfortunately, that abusive marriage failed but I had put myself through college and was able to work into the corporate world of Telecom.
I had been searching for the "right connection" to God and passed through multiple churches but in each one I felt something was lacking. I didn't feel whole. When I walked into the Fig in 2024 I felt a sigh of relief – I had finally found what my soul yearned for – a place where Jesus was reflected in people's faces. I was embraced by the love.

Years at Transfiguration: 2
Years as an Episcopalian: 72

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Altar Guild (2025 – present)
• Sacred Ground (2025-2026)
• Volunteer at the Clotheshorse (2025 – present)
• Tuesday Afternoon Book Study (2024 – present)
• Women's Thursday Evening Book Group (2025 – present)
• Racial Justice Ministry (2026)
• Assistant Librarian (2026)

Past Churches:

• The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany – (Landscape, Flower Guild)
• St Joseph's Catholic Church
• Saint Matthias Catholic Church
• Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church – VBS, Bible Study
• The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany – (Cursillo #109, #126, Folk Mass Group, Foyer Group)
• St Andrew's Episcopal Church – Confirmed 1964, Jr & Sr EYC, taught Sunday School, Enquirer's Class 1979
• Church of the Incarnation

Diocesan and National Church:

• None

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Ret. Systems Engineer (Telecom)

Community and Professional Activities:

• I currently serve as my community's HOA President, Past HOA Secretary; Member and Past Executive Committee Member of The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest; Certified Master Naturalist (2004-present); Shoal Creek Bookclub; Garland Library Bookclub

The church has a strong Outreach Ministry and influences many other parishes. I think we could have an even more positive influence if we continue our involvement in truth and reconciliation with the people of color around us, being inclusive of all people especially reaching out to those with disabilities, and proclaiming the love Jesus has shown us.

Transfiguration needs to be involved in all areas of the Diocese so we can show other parishes we are the leader they want to emulate. The Fig has so much to offer in the ways to be inclusive of all people. We must be active in order to have a positive influence on others.

Benjamin Michael "Benjie" Bledsoe

A native of Fort Worth, I am a 5th generation Texan, with deep roots in the Church and an inherited legacy of the Faith of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. A child of divorced parents, I grew up concurrently in two religious traditions: in the United Methodist Church of my paternal family, where Granddaddy was a pastor; and in a non-denominational, charismatic, evangelical congregation with my maternal family, where Mom was a member of the administrative staff. As a young adult who had experienced the judgment, hatred, and rejection of many in the church towards those of us who identify as LGBTQ+, in my 20s, I felt more comfortable and spent more time at the bars and clubs than in church. I never doubted that God loved me, but I often questioned if God's people did. And then I found The Episcopal Church, and eventually The Fig. God has, in and through the people of Transfiguration, transfigured my own life. It is the highest honor of my life to serve the church.

Years at Transfiguration: 4.5
Years as an Episcopalian: 20

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Altar Guild: member Sep 2023 – present; director 2025-2027
• Crossover Youth: adult volunteer 2025-'26
• Eucharistic Minister (chalice): Oct 2023 – present
• Eucharistic Visitor: Sep 2024-Jun 2025
• Flower Guild: Sep 2024-Feb 2025
• Foyer Groups: Fall 2024-present
• Open Door: Jan 2022-present
• Pride Parade Planning Committee: 2026
• St. Elizabeth's: May 2024-present
• The Way: Wayfarer 2022-'23; Companion 2023-'24, 2025-'26
• Young Adults Fellowship: leader Jan 2024-Dec 2025

Past Churches:

• Christ Church Dallas (in Oak Cliff)- parishioner December 2005-December 2021.
  • Chancel Chorister 2008-2021.
  • Acolyte 2008-2021.
  • Lector 2009-2021.
  • Eucharistic Minister (chalice) 2010-2021.
  • Vestry member 2012-2014, 2016-2018; Vestry clerk 2012-2020.
  • Rector Search Committee member: May 2012-August 2013.
  • Altar Guild member 2009-2021; Altar Guild director 2012-2021.
  • Brotherhood of St. Andrew member & chapter vice president 2014-2020.

Diocesan and National Church:

• Diocesan Convention Delegate or Alternate (Christ Church Dallas) 2014-2020
• Diocesan Convention Alternate (Transfiguration) 2025

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Executive Assistant

Community and Professional Activities:

• Social Chair & Board Member of the Wynnewood North Neighborhood Association (Oak Cliff) 2010

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

The Fig needs to be a prominent leading parish within the Diocese. We can model what it is to be a fully welcoming, affirming, inclusive parish, where ALL means ALL.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

Yes. ALL of them!
We have a voice and vision we need to share in and with our diocese. But when we choose not to participate in, or are excluded from, the life of our Diocese, we lose our opportunity to help EDoD open the doors of God's house to ALL.

Jeffrey Garland Button

Episcopal School graduate (2008), and public health professional who has a passion for positively impacting the lives of other people. Jeff has a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree and is currently employed by Texas Health Resources' Community Health Improvement (CHI) team, where he serves as a Program Manager for Collin County. After several years away from the Church, Jeff returned to Transfiguration in the Fall of 2021 and reaffirmed his baptismal vows in May 2022 after going through "The Way". Since then, Jeff has served on various ministries at The Fig, including the Young Adults Fellowship and Eucharistic Visitors. In his free time, Jeff is an avid sports fan, voracious reader, movie buff, and exercise enthusiast.

Years at Transfiguration: 32
Years as an Episcopalian: 37

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Eucharistic Visitors
• Young Adults Fellowship
• Companion on The Way
• Sacred Ground
• FigTech Support Ministry
• Mexico Pilgrimages
• Stephen's Ministry
• Discernment Committee

Past Churches:

• St. Luke's Episcopal Church

Diocesan and National Church:

• Diocesan Delegate in 2025 (and elected for 2026)

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Program Manager

Community and Professional Activities:

• I manage collaborative, grant-funded programs that address social determinants of health in high-need zip codes in Collin County.
• I am also a member of the Parish Episcopal School Alumni Board.

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

I would like to see our Parish continue advocating for inclusiveness and equality within the Diocese of Dallas.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

I would like to see Transfiguration's Young Adult group collaborate with other Parishes' Young Adult groups within the Diocese of Dallas.

Fred H Ellis III

I am a native Texas, lived away for 25 years due to work, and moved to Dallas in 2000. My husband, Fernando Balderas, and I have been married for 7+ years, and moved our membership to The Fig last year. I enjoy traveling, cooking, and anything related to Longhorn sports.

Years at Transfiguration: 2
Years as an Episcopalian: 45

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Staff member for 5 years
• Eucharistic Minister
• Lay Reader
• Emcee
• Delegate to Diocesan Convention 2026

Past Churches:

• St. Thomas the Apostle – Dallas was a member for 25 years. Served 2 terms on the Vestry, 3 years as Senior Warden, served as Chair of the Endowment Fund, and 23 years as a delegate to Diocesan Convention.
• St. John's Episcopal Church – Charlotte, NC. Parish representative to the Diocesan Office and delegate to Diocesan Convention
• St. Dunstan's – Tulsa, OK. Member of vestry and delegate to Diocesan Convention
• Also over time member of Trinity Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA and Christ Church, Charlotte, NC.Diocesan Activities:

National Church Activities:

For Episcopal Diocese of Dallas have served as a delegate to convention 24 years. Currently am Lay Alternate 2 Deputy to General Convention in 2027. Served on Executive Council of the Diocese for 7 years from 2017-2024. Served as Co-Chair of the Diocesan Reconciliation Committee from 1995-1997.

National Church Activities:

• Currently Co-Chair of the Taskforce to Study Household & Relationship Diversity, 2022-2027.
• Taskforce on Communion Across Difference, 2018-2022.
• Standing Committee on International Peace with Justice Concerns, 2000-2003.
• Committee for Continuing the Dialogue on Human Sexuality 1994-1997.
• Served as National President of Integrity, (Episcopal LGBTQ affinity group), 1994-1998.

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Worked as a client delivery executive for EDS/Hewlett-Packard for 30 years prior to retiring in 2017

Community and Professional Activities:

• Served on the board of directors of the Turtle Creek Chorale,
• active member of the Human Rights Campaign and Lamda Legal.
• Member of the Longhorn Alumni Band (University of Texas at Austin.

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

Our witness to diversity and inclusion is a major strength that we bring to the Diocese of Dallas. We should continue that witness as well as our more recent engagement with, and support of, Gateway of Grace.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

Continue to grow our engagement with Gateway of Grace. Also, encourage more members to become involved in diocesan activities and leadership.

Chip Brownlee

I was raised in Spur, Texas, where I learned the values of hard work, faith, and community. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Texas Tech University, I worked in Virginia and Missouri before returning to Texas in 2009. Over the past 20+ years, I have served in executive leadership roles overseeing strategic planning, operations, and financial stewardship. Today, I am a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, helping individuals and families pursue their long-term financial goals. I am passionate about servant leadership, responsible stewardship, and supporting organizations that make a lasting impact.

Years at Transfiguration: 11
Years as an Episcopalian: 11

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• 2016-current – Adult Acolyte
• 2016-current – Eucharistic Minister
• 2018-current – Thurifer
• 2022-current – Emcee
• 2018-2020 – Open Door Coordinator
• 2019 – Vestry Nominating Committee
• 2021 – BGT committee member
• 2022-2025 – Vestry member
• 2023-2025 – Vestry MMC committee chair
• 2025-current – Flower Guild member

Past Churches:

• none

Diocesan and National Church:

• N/A

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investment Services

Community and professional activities:

• As a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, I work with individuals and families to develop long-term financial strategies, including investment management, retirement planning, risk assessment, estate considerations, and stewardship of assets. I'm also a singing member of the Turtle Creek Chorale.

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

With the new Bishop, there is better momentum to work to heal the past divisions of the Diocese. As a large and diverse community, Transfiguration deserves an equal seat at the table where matters of the Diocese are discussed.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

I would defer to the expertise and vision of our clergy, vestry and staff.

Lisa Eileen Magee

I am mom to four children, and grandmother of 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. I graduated from UTA with a BBA in Accounting & Management, minors in Economics & English, and became a CPA in 1992. I spent my career in accounting in retail, telecommunications, technology, and oil & gas, specializing in SEC reporting. I retired in 2025.
I am a cradle-to-grave Episcopalian, baptized and confirmed at St. Christopher's in Ft Worth. As a teenager, I was active in EYC and helped create and perform folk masses. As a female I was not permitted to be further involved. I am grateful that our Church has evolved to welcome girls and women fully into ministry.
I joined Transfiguration in 1992. After moving to Houston in 2005, I attended more than 25 Episcopal churches never finding one that felt like home. I returned to Transfiguration in 2022 and am grateful to call it home again—a place where I can grow in faith, serve others, and be part of our church community.

Years at Transfiguration: 18
Years as an Episcopalian: 69

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Racial Justice Ministry
• PDCNTX (Participatory Defense Community of North Texas)
• Texas Ramp Project
• DAI (Dallas Area Interfaith)
• Women's Evening Book Club
• Outreach Committee
• Outreach Grant Committee
• Nurturing Faith Through Fiction
• Open Door Fellowship
• Parish Council
• Foyer Group
• St Elizabeth's
• Ramadan Dinner Volunteer
• Together We Dine events
• Angel Tree Volunteer at Vogel
• Food Pantry
•  Guns to Gardens participant

Past Churches:

• St Christopher's in Ft Worth:
  • EYC
  • Lay Reader (since I was a female, special dispensation had to be given in this role during folk masses)
  • Folk Mass
  • Camp Crucis retreats and education

Diocesan:

• PDCNTX Discovery and Listening Session
• Participated in Walkabout of Potential Bishops
• Participated in discernment information process at St. James to help select qualities we wanted in a Bishop

National Church:

• Sacred Ground Circles
• Grant Award for PDCNTX

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• CPA

Community and Professional Activities:

• Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
• NTFX (North Texas Faith Votes)
• PDCNTX
• Volunteer Deputy Registrar
• Election Worker, multiple roles including Election Judge and Election Clerk
• Frisco Area Democrats
• Denton County Democrats

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

I believe we have both an opportunity and a lot of work to do to strengthen our relationship with the Diocese. One of the best ways to begin is by becoming more actively involved in diocesan programs, events, and ministries whenever we can.
The more we interact with people throughout the Diocese, the more they will come to know Transfiguration and see that we genuinely strive to seek and serve Christ in all people. Building these relationships takes time, but personal connections and shared experiences can create greater understanding and acceptance.
Likewise, connecting with other churches gives us opportunities to build friendships, learn from one another, and influence the broader Diocese through our example. I don't believe familiarity breeds contempt; I believe it breeds understanding, which can lead to respect, acceptance, and even love. The more people know us, the more they can see the heart of Transfiguration and how we live out our faith.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

Looking at the Diocese calendar, I see little listed beyond the Clergy Conference and Diocesan Convention. I would love to see us explore ways to expand our involvement with the Diocese and build stronger relationships with churches throughout it.
This could include churches we know well, such as Ascension, St. Thomas, and St. Philip's, as well as St. James, St. Luke's, St. Matthew's, St. Michael's, Good Shepherd, and others whose perspectives may differ from ours. What a wonderful opportunity to come together around what we share: serving our communities and seeking Christ in all people.
Imagine churches collaborating on Habitat for Humanity builds, Little Pantries at every parish, collecting warm clothing and bedding for our unhoused neighbors, supporting medical missions, or helping provide clean water for Sand Branch. These shared efforts could strengthen relationships, broaden our impact, and help make the Diocese a more connected and visible force for good.

Rosemary Luquire

Rosemary Luquire and her late husband, Luke, have been members of The Fig for 19 years. She is the mother of two adult sons and has two beautiful granddaughters.
Dr Luquire holds advanced educational preparation and is an experienced health care and nursing executive with expertise in leading large complex systems, leadership development, outcomes management programs and the application of process improvement to attain both enhanced outcomes for communities served and for the enhancement of workforce environments. She has dedicated her professional life to improving health care and served as a consultant in several international venues. She has over 45 years of leadership and governance experience.

Years at Transfiguration: 19
Years as an Episcopalian: 19

Parish and Diocesan Activities

Transfiguration:

• Previous vestry member
• Daughters of the King
• Soup and Stew Ministry
• St Elizabeths
• Clothes Horse Resale Shop
• Foyer dinners
• Footsteps of Paul Pilgrimage

Past Churches:

• Palmer Episcopal ..Houston Tx
• Seabrook United Methodist Church..Seabrook Tx
• Jonesboro United Methodist Church

Diocesan Activities:

• Have not served as a delegate previously.

National Church:

• None..attended convention with Father Casey in Austin several years ago to discuss and promote rights of the LGBT community in regards to marriage.

Professional Life and Activities

Occupation (or occupation before retirement):

• Served as Executive Vice President and System Chief Nursing Officer for Baylor Scott and White Health System.
• Prior to that served as Chief Quality Officer and Chief Nursing Officer for St Lukes Episcopal Health System, Houston Texas.

Community and Professional Activities:

• Post retirement-Developed the curriculum for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice for Baylor University and taught in the program for several years.
• Previous faculty at University of Texas, Houston
• Board of Directors American Nurses Credentialing Center
• Board of Managers several healthcare entities

Personal Vision for the relationship of Transfiguration to the Diocese of Dallas

What do you see as strengths and areas for improvement in this relationship?

Strengths….The Fig is visible, and has recognized strong leadership and strong programatic offerings with very involved and tenured membership.
Strengths also include well educated, perhaps opinionated membership that could be seen as an asset or perhaps a bit threatening to leadership beyond the Fig.
Areas for Improvement…My view is that the current diocesan approach is more conservative than our membership and also more conservative than the national church. The opportunity will be to better align these entities.

Are there areas of Diocesan life in which Transfiguration should be more involved?

I am uncertain about this and would need clergy's direction/suggestions for opportunities.