Election Nominees
Election A: Standing Committee, Presbyter
Elect two (2) presbyters to a three-year term.
The Rev. Jessica Babcock
St. Mark's, Marco Island
Biography: Mother Jessica is pleased to stand for election for a second term on the Bishop's Standing Committee. She currently serves as the Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Marco Island, Florida. Originally from Anniston, AL, she considers herself to be a Flora-Bama hybrid after spending most of her life in the Sunshine State. Jessica completed her undergraduate studies at The Centre College of Kentucky, and her MDiv and DMin at Sewanee. Following college at 21, she joined the Peace Corps and served in The Republic of the Marshall Islands in the North Pacific where she met her husband, Dwight. Prior to entering the priesthood, she worked as a Senior Project Manager in Information Technology. Beyond preaching and teaching, her focus remains on outreach projects - both local and international - that lift God's people out of poverty. Currently her international work includes supporting orphans in the Kagera Region of Tanzania as President of the Board of Tumaini Fund USA here in Naples. Married for over 35 years, Jessica and Dwight have two beautiful daughters who have flown the coop and have been replaced by Luke, the Golden Retriever, and Cheech, a talkative orange tabby.
Nominee Statement: During my last term, I enjoyed being a member of of the Standing Commitee not only because we act as a Council of Advice to the Bishop but because I formed new relationships around the Diocese. My current and past volunteer roles in the Diocese include:
Dean of Naples Deanery (Current)
Delegate to National Convention (Current)
Standing Committee (2023-Present)
Chaired the Bishop Transition Committee (2022)
Co-Chaired the Bishop Search (2021-22)
Commission on Ministry – Past Member – 3-year term
Diocesan Council – Past Member – 3-year term
The Very Rev. David Marshall
All Angels by the Sea, Longboat Key
Biography: The Very Rev. David J. Marshall is Rector of All Angels, Longboat Key, a vibrant, fellowship-centered barrier island church. He is dean of the Manasota Deanery, co-leader of the Clergy Wellness Team and is on the Apportionments Committee. He received a B.A. in political science from Saint Martin’s University and a Master of Divinity from The Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 2007. Although his degrees suggest some level of expertise in religion and politics, Father David prefers to talk about the joys and struggles of spirituality in daily life. Ordained as a deacon in 2007, and a priest in 2008, he has served in congregations in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, San Diego, and for the past seven years, on Longboat Key. Prior to seminary, David was a senior underwriter for an insurance company. He is an avid writer who has been published in two daily devotional books through Forward Movement. You can see him in a weekly podcast with his friend and Episcopal priest Alex on A Bridge Between (on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music). When not spending time with his family on the boat or fishing, he is working on a book about clergy pastoral care.
Nominee Statement: Over the past 19 years, I have served on a variety of diocesan committees in three different dioceses that served as advisory boards to the bishop; specifically, the Clergy Disciplinary Board, Diocesan Camp Steering Committee, Executive Council, Mission Share Advisory Committee, Diocesan Strategic Planning Board, and the Clergy Health and Wellness Committee. I have a heart for discernment and (many) prayers for wisdom that have helped me advise the episcopate. It is with that experience and ministry, I seek to be elected to our Standing Committee.
Election Nominees
Election B: Standing Committee, Lay
Elect one (1) Lay Elector to a three-year term.
Mr. Ted Tripp
St. Hilary's, Ft. Myers
Biography: My Episcopal journey began in the Church of the Annunciation on Anna Maria in 1950. With the exception of time spent in college and the military, I have lived in this Diocese all my life. After practicing law for 50 years, I formed my small firm specializing in providing a resource to those seeking resolution of litigation matters.
Nominee Statement:
Former positions:
President - Standing Committee
President - DaySpring Board of Trustees
Chancellor - Diocese of Southwest Florida
Current positions:
Member - Bishop's Cabinet
Member - Cursillo Secretariat
Chancellor Emeritus - Diocese of Southwest Florida
Election Nominees
Election C: Diocesan Council At Large, Presbyter
Elect one (1) Presbyter to a two-year term.
The Rev. Michael Brady
Christ Church, Bradenton
Biography:
A native of South Louisiana, Fr. Mike was ordained to the diaconate in 2019 and the priesthood in 2020 in the Diocese of Texas. He began his ordained ministry at St. Augustine of Hippo in Galveston, the oldest African American Episcopal congregation in Texas, before moving to Central Florida to serve as Assistant at St. James in Ormond Beach. In September 2024, he accepted the call to become Rector of Christ Church, Bradenton.
Before entering ordained ministry, Fr. Mike spent more than 20 years in corporate Human Resource Management. That experience continues to shape his ministry as he seeks to lead with humility, compassion, and a heart for God's people.
Fr. Mike holds bachelor's degrees in Music and Education and a Master of Education from Northeast Louisiana University, a Master of Divinity from Newburgh Theological Seminary, and will receive his Doctor of Ministry from Houston Christian University in December 2026.
Fr. Mike and his wife, Natalie, live in Parrish with their three dogs—Tucker, Frenchy, and Bear. They enjoy theme parks, music, and travel. Their son, Sean-Michael, attends Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. A classically trained musician, Fr. Mike also enjoys reading and an occasional game of poker.
Nominee Statement:
With more than 20 years in corporate Human Resource Management before answering God’s call to ordained ministry, Fr. Mike brings valuable leadership, organizational, and people-management experience to his priesthood.
Having served as Rector of Christ Church for the past two years, he believes the time is right to offer himself and Christ Church more fully in service to the Diocese.
He hopes to strengthen relationships across the Diocese while contributing practical experience, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to supporting the Church’s shared mission.
Election Nominees
Election D: Disciplinary Board, Clergy
Elect one (1) Clergy Person to a three-year term.
The Rev. Marcella Drawdy
Trinity-by-the-Cove, Naples
Biography: I have served as an Associate Rector at Trinity-by-the-Cove, Naples for the past five years. Prior to that, I worked in the field of environmental science and management, taught high school science, and worked for several years in an addictions counseling office.
I am a lifelong Episcopalian, spending my formative years and most of my adulthood living on the west coast of Florida. I enjoy reading, travel, and puttering around in the garden. Recently, I decided to take up watercolor. One always needs a challenge! I have three children - Christopher, Mary, and Ben, six grandchildren, a dog Charley, and a kitty, LilyBelle.
Nominee Statement: My work in the church prior to ordained ministry includes vestry member, altar guild, Eucharistic minister, youth leader, acolyte wrangler, and lector. Since ordination, my focus has been worship and pastoral care.
I stand for election to the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board as a member to participate in the Councils of the Church regarding matters of discipline. It is my goal that parties involved in matters before the Board are given a fair hearing, and that recommendations are appropriate according to Episcopal Church and Diocesan Canons.
The Rev. Ryan Whitley
St. Thomas, St. Petersburg
Biography: Ryan Whitley, rector of St. Thomas’, St. Petersburg (2017), is a native of the Diocese of Southwest Florida. He grew up in Ft. Myers and attended St. Hilary’s Episcopal Church, which later sponsored him for the priesthood. Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Religion from Wake Forest University, and a Masters of Divinity from Seabury-Western Theological. He is in his twentieth year of ordination. As well as his current cure, Ryan served as rector of St. George’s, Ardmore, PA and began as curate at St. Mark’s, Tampa. Ryan is passionate about Christian formation and discipleship and loves to help people develop a deeper faith. He’s had the privilege of serving the diocese in a variety of roles including Diocesan Council and Standing Committee, and is a current deputy to General Convention. Ryan has been married to Elise Whitley for seventeen years, and together they have two children, Jackson (14) and Caroline (12). In his spare time, Ryan loves to read and discuss books, spend time with his family, search for the next hidden gem restaurant, and travel.
Nominee Statement: In my experience, I have observed clergy discipline function well and not so well. Our Title IV process is based on the concept of reconciliation, as it should be for a Christian body. At the same time, justice (defined by St. Thomas Aquinas as the constant will to render to each one their right) is also important. If elected, I would bring a faithful and prayerful approach to both reconciliation and justice. These matters, on all sides, are too important to do otherwise. It would be my honor to serve on this Board.
Election Nominees
Election E: Disciplinary Board, Lay
Elect one (1) Lay Person to a three-year term.
Ms. Donna Francisco
St. Nathaniel's, North Port
Biography: I have served as Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and on the Altar Guild. I am on the Vestry and a counter after the Sunday services. I served on the Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Finance Committee for two terms. I have been a delegate to Diocesan Convention for several years. Several years ago, I suggested that "Lift Every Voice and Sing" be included in the music selected for the Convention. This suggestion was accepted.
Nominee Statement: I am applying for a position on the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board. I understand that I will be governed by the Canons for the Government of the Episcopal Church. My main work experience was in the U.S. Navy. When I retired from the Navy, I returned to school and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Then I worked in Silicon Valley for 15 years. In my career, I have experience in various levels of management. As a member of the Board, I would work to ensure that everyone receives a full and complete hearing.
Mr. Duane Hollier
St. Andrew's, Spring Hill
Biography: I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I've attended Tuskegee University, Meharry Medical College, and Vanderbilt University receiving my Radiologic and Nuclear Medicine Technology training. I have been married to my wife Beverly for fifty-one years. I have two adult children, Tony, and Ebony. I have active in my professional organizations, serving as President of the Florida Nuclear Medicine Technologists and the Southeast Chapter of the SNMMI-TS. I am presently active in several national committees of that organization. I also serve on the Advisory Board for the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Hillsborough College. I was confirmed in 1977. I am an active member of my church community, St. Andrew's, where I support ministry initiative and community outreach. I have served two terms on the Standing Committee, two terms as liaison for the Standing Committee to the Commission of Ministry for the Standing Committee, and an alternate delegate to General Convention. My greatest joy comes from singing in the Church choir.
Nominee Statement: I believe I would be a strong candidate for the Board because I am committed to upholding the teachings, values, and integrity of the Church while treating all individuals with fairness, compassion, and respect. I will demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to listen carefully to all sides of a matter before reaching conclusions. I understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality, exercising impartiality, and ensuring that disciplinary matters are handled with both justice and mercy. I would approach the responsibilities of the Board with humility, prayerful discernment, and a commitment to preserving the unity and mission of the Church.
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Mr. Justin Miller
St. Bonniface, Sarasota
Biography:I have been a resident of the Diocese since June 2021, attending St. Boniface on Siesta Key. At the parish level, I've served as coordinator of our worship team, and, since Fall 2022, on the Diocese, where I currently am Senior Warden. At Diocesan level, I've served as the Interim Executive Director of DaySpring Camp & Conference Center, am concluding my first term on the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board, and am an alternate delegate to the 2027 General Convention. In addition, I was named a Postulant in December 2025 and will begin the hybrid MDiv program at Candler Theological Seminary at Emory University this Fall. Professionally, I've spent 20 years working in higher education in research administration. Currently, I work remotely at West Virginia University as Assistant Director of Award Negotiation in the Office of Sponsored Programs. My wife Nan (a school nurse) and I have been married for 23 years and have two kids: Shen is a 2nd year student at USF, majoring in International Business and Akio is a 1st year student at WVU, studying mechanical engineering.
Nominee Statement: I am currently concluding my first term on the Ecclesiastical Disciplinary Board and would welcome the opportunity for a second concurrent term. While this service to the Diocese isn't exactly everyone's "cup of tea", I believe it to be vitally important to ensuring the safety of our parishes, parishioners, visitors, and clergy. This Board has worked diligently on professional development and continues to do so. I would appreciate the opportunity to continue contributing to its good work over the next term.