Although Deacon Becky Chapman is the newest member of the diocesan staff, she has been volunteering in the offices for the last year and a half. Deacon Becky’s broad background in finance, nonprofit development, training, hospitality, and large event management have helped her become the staff utility player. In addition to coordinating catering and hospitality for the last two convention lunches and this year’s convention dinner, she assists in planning other hospitality and training events for the diocesan office.
Becky has used her experience as a workplace cultural-diversity facilitator for the Walt Disney Co. and her passion for reconciliation and justice to rewrite the diocese’s antiracism training curriculum and to present the required training annually to aspirants to the ministry. Along with the Rev. Chris Brathwaite, chair of the Bishop’s Commission on Anti-Racism, she is expanding the commission’s antiracism training throughout the diocese.
Becky worked closely with Archdeacon Kristi Alday to launch the new ICS website in July 2016 and continues to be heavily involved with the ICS curriculum and students. She uses her finance and accounting background to support the diocesan administrator’s office with specific projects, such as assisting smaller congregations. She is a member of the Diocese CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) Team.
Becky and her husband of 34 years, Rod, attend Church of the Ascension in Orlando, where she previously served on the finance committee, vestry, altar guild, LEM/Lector, and LEV ministries. In addition to her 20 years of experience with the Walt Disney Co. in a variety of roles, including film and television development, corporate alliances, “imagineering,” and Disney sports, Becky also brings to the diocese experience in nonprofit/institutional development as director of corporate and foundation relations for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
Becky is a native West Virginian and an avid knitter, quilter, and baker. The deacon’s role of bringing the church into the world is perfect for Becky because she is passionate about serving her community. A lifelong 4-H’er, she has also served on the board of directors for the Citrus Council Girl Scouts USA, the Orange County Extension Advisory Board, and United Arts of Central Florida.