Our Leadership
The Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries (AFFM), located in Washington, D.C., has a four-person staff: the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia, bishop suffragan for AFFM; the Rev. Maurice Dyer, who serves as canon to the bishop; Joshua Gerras, associate for AFFM; and the Rev. Nicholas Young, missioner for recruitment and veterans’ ministry. These leaders work with and support our more than 100 Episcopal chaplains serving in U.S. federal ministries.
Meet Bishop Ann Ritonia
A retired Marine Corps major and recipient of numerous medals and commendations, the Rt. Rev. Ritonia served Episcopal parishes of all sizes for more than 19 years before her election as the eighth bishop suffragan of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries for The Episcopal Church.
The Bishop’s Council of Advice
Members: Convener RADM Chris Weaver (US Navy, Retired); The Rev. Carl Andrews (COL, USAF, Retired); Ch. Andrea Baker (LTC, US Army Reserve); The Rev. James Cooke (Dept. of Veterans Affairs); Ch. Mark Lee (COL, US Army); Ch. Christina Mucuuthi N’gethe (Federal Bureau of Prisons); The Rev. Sarah Shirley (LTC, Florida Air National Guard, Retired); The Rev. Susan Sowers (COL, US Army, Retired) Rector of St. Christopher’s, Pensacola, Florida; Ch. Chandler Whitman (LT, US Navy); MGEN Razz Waff (US Army, Retired)]
Chaplain Discernment Committee
This committee meets each quarter to interview applicants seeking endorsements from the Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries to serve as federal chaplains.
Members: Convener Canon Maurice Andrew Dyer, II; The Rev. Carl Andrews (COL, USAF, Retired); The Rev. Kemper Anderson (USCG); The Rev. James Cooke (Dept. of Veterans Affairs); The Rev. Christopher Garcia, (COL, US Army, Retired) Rector of Christ Church, Calvert, Maryland; The Rev. Heather Holland (Dept. of Veterans Affairs); The Rev. Jeffrey Neuberger; The Rev. Ryan Parker (Dept. of Veterans Affairs); Ch. Chandler Irwin (LT, US Navy); RADM Chris Weaver (US Navy, Retired); Ch. Mark Winward (CAPT, US Navy); The Rev. Richard Munsell (USAF, Retired)
Office of Armed Forces and Federal Ministries
We are located on the grounds of the Washington National Cathedral, at 3101 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20016.
