Kevin Shaw to become Director of Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota

Kevin Shaw has been appointed Director of Development for the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota.  The Rt. Rev. James L. Jelinek, Bishop of Minnesota, announced the appointment today.  Kevin will begin work at the end of May.

Kevin was selected from a pool of candidates interviewed in April.  A committee of development and fund-raising professionals as well as people experienced in non-profit organizations reviewed applications this spring and conducted the interviews.  They made their recommendation to the Bishop upon his return from sabbatical and the Bishop enthusiastically concurred with their selection.

Kevin has a background with parish stewardship and with the United Way of the Twin Cities.  He has worked in the corporate world for US Bank and Wells Fargo, managing marketing portfolios in the billions of dollars and delivering results with experience in ethical and critical analysis, as well as strategic planning.  He is also a recipient of the Chairman’s 5-Star Award for Excellence at US Bank.

Kevin studied economics at the University of Minnesota and marketing at Metropolitan State University.  Kevin, his wife Inger, and his two children, Mac and Kelsey, are members of St. John the Evangelist Church in Saint Paul where he serves on the vestry as the chair of the annual stewardship program and the family actively participates in the life of the church. 

“After years in the corporate world, I’ve been looking for a new career opportunity with a challenge where I can make a difference and feel better about it at the end of the day,” Kevin said.  “I know the Diocese needs an ambassador for development, and I’m eager to put forth my experience to use in that work.”

The position of Director of Development is possible as the result of an anonymous gift made to Bishop Jelinek and the Diocese two years ago.  “I continue to be profoundly grateful to this person,” said Bishop Jelinek.  “The generosity of the donor speaks to the need we have to proclaim the Gospel right here in Minnesota as well as beyond our doors.  It also speaks to the donor’s record of philanthropy and commitment to those who are yet to come, and those who lack much in today’s world – which is precisely our call.”

Bishop Jelinek continued, “This gift has allowed us to realize something that I’ve wanted to begin since I became Bishop.  Both the Trustees and the Diocesan Council have long been on record supporting the creation of a Development Office.  The timing is perfect now as the Mission Strategy Network works on the strategic goals endorsed at last year’s Diocesan Convention. I believe it is especially important that we invest in this newly emerging vision with new revenue sources.”

“In the spirit of the recent Finance Summit held May 7, a development director with the relational skills that Kevin possesses is critical.  One of his primary tasks as he gets to know people will be to continue the open dialogue that has begun, encouraging us have honest conversations about money,” added the bishop.

Bishop Jelinek concluded that “Kevin will be working with clergy and lay leadership in our congregations, teaching and engaging them with the challenging and energizing work of stewardship, while not simply ‘doing it for them,’ he will be a partner and a resource.”

Canon Gary Gleason noted that development functions typically include annual campaigns, special fund-raising efforts for capital and endowment giving and planned or deferred giving through trusts, wills and so forth.  Kevin will spend the first several months getting to know the Diocese in depth, learning in detail the work that is underway with Mission Strategy and the bishop search process. 

“A great deal of the work of the development office will be designed to work with our parishes and mission congregations.  While the diocese is the foundation and basic unit of the Episcopal Church in the United States, we know well that only strong congregations can create a strong diocese,” said Canon Gleason.

Laura Budd, former Trustee and development professional from Duluth and member of the interview team said, “I’ve got a very strong feeling that Kevin appreciates this is a very large diocese.  He will be especially welcomed by those of us who live outside the metro area in greater Minnesota.”

The Rev. Frank Wilson, Kevin’s rector at St. John’s, said that Kevin had been an outstanding stewardship commission chair in their most successful pledge campaign ever. “Kevin is articulate, hard-working, creative and knows how to communicate mission,” added Frank.

Judith Goff, another member of the interview team said, “There was a simultaneous consensus that we'd found the right person.  We had a strong field of candidates, each with particular strengths. Kevin’s communications skills and passionate enthusiasm for getting out and meeting clergy and lay persons throughout the diocese will move forward our mission.  Not only does he know how to meet people, he knows how to listen to them...a very important skill for a development professional.”

Kevin said in conclusion, “I believe I am versatile and capable – a learner and a seeker.  I’m grateful for my gifts of quick mind and hungry spirit and I’m especially grateful for this opportunity. I look forward to meeting the good people of this great Diocese, all over Minnesota.”