Donald V. Romanik, President of ECF, celebrated for 19 years of service at ECF's 75th Anniversary Gala
New York – November 8, 2024 – Donald V. Romanik, President of the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF), was honored at ECF’s 75th anniversary gala in New York City last night. Romanik announced his retirement last year after 19 decades of faithful, dedicated service to the organization and The Episcopal Church. He will be ending his term at the end of the year.
In its 75th year, ECF is a testament to what can be achieved when faith meets action. ECF continues to be a wellspring of support for Episcopal faith communities in managing endowments, providing resources, and supporting lay leadership development and formation. ECF’s mission today is to be a catalyst, agent, and advocate for transformation and growth in The Episcopal Church in innovative and spiritually grounded ways.
ECF President Donald V. Romanik with ECF staff members
Partners, supporters, clients, and members of the broader ECF community gathered for a festive gala in New York City to celebrate ECF’s impact across the Church for 75 years and to honor Romanik and the significant legacy he leaves behind. Some notable guests and speakers included The Rev. Canon C.K. Robertson, Ph.D., Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Ministry Beyond The Episcopal Church who brought messages from former Presiding Bishops’ Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori, The Rev. Ronald C. Byrd, Sr., Missioner for African Descent Ministries, Ms. Mary Kate Wold, President & CEO, Church Pension Group, The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care, The Rev. Canon Anthony Guillén, Director of Ethnic Ministries and Missioner for Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Ms. Sally A. Skardon, past ECF Board Chair (2010 – 2014), The Rt. Rev. Dean E. Wolfe, Rector, St. Bart’s New York and The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd, 17th Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of New York among others.
A video showcasing ECF’s impact and contributions was screened at the event and can be viewed here.
Donald Romanik shared on this occasion, “I am overwhelmed to be in the company of family, longtime friends, and supporters of ECF and so honored to have led this incredible organization for almost two decades. I am confident that my successor will continue to lead ECF into our bold vision of creating, supporting, and nourishing vital, inclusive, and sustainable faith communities that create steadfast followers of Jesus.”
Chairperson of the ECF Board of Directors, S. Todd Anderson, awarded Romanik the Henry Knox Sherrill award, expressing gratitude for his vision and leadership over the years. The Henry Knox Sherrill Medal for Outstanding Service to The Episcopal Church is presented from time to time to an Episcopalian who exemplifies the traits of the medal’s namesake, the late Henry Knox Sherrill, former Presiding Bishop and Founder of ECF. These traits include deep spirituality, high energy, integrity, generosity, and creativity.
ECF Board Chairperson S. Todd Anderson presents the Henry Knox Sherrill Award to ECF President Donald V. Romanik
ECF’s Board of Directors will meet in New York from November 7 to 9 and will be naming the organization’s new President in the coming days. For more information on ECF’s vision and impact, please click here.
Contact:
Charis Bhagianathan
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