Search Committee
St. Peter’s is thrilled to announce our Search Committee! We are grateful for the devotion and dedication of the following members in helping us find our next rector.
Deborah J Proffitt (Co-Chair): Deb is a retired school administrator from the Canandaigua City School District, who served over 30 years in education. Although Deb started her career as a teacher, upon receiving her school administrative degree, Deb held various administrative positions in surrounding public school districts including Director of Special Programs, Elementary Principal and Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. In addition to a career in education, Deb also served on several Boards and committees, including the Geneva Boys and Girls Club, Ontario ARC and Ontario Ethics Committee. Currently, Deb holds a part-time “fun” job in retail. Deb and her husband, Stan, were both active members of St. Peter’s from approximately 1995-2002. During that time, they served as ushers, chalice bearers and readers. In addition, Stan served on the Vestry and Neighbors Night whereas Deb served as a Delegate. They both returned to St. Peter’s in June 2023. Still residing in Geneva, they are happy to be back home at St. Peter’s.
Greg Van Laeken (Co-Chair): Greg has been a dedicated member of St. Peter’s since 1999. He served on the Vestry from 2008 to 2017 and has been a member of the Diocesan Investment Committee since 2013. Greg and his wife, Gwen, were married at St. Peter’s and their three children, Collin, Elizabeth, and Henry were baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s. Professionally, Greg is the Managing Director for Investments at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where he oversees multiple investment portfolios for the university. He also shares his professional expertise as an adjunct professor of finance at the Saunders College of Business at RIT, teaching courses in international finance and derivatives. Greg has been a valued part of the RIT community for 19 years. Prior to working at RIT, Greg spent over 10 years working as an interbank dealer of interest rate and currency derivatives in both New York City and Zurich, Switzerland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and an MBA, both from RIT.
CB Edgar: CB identifies as a cradle Episcopalian as he was baptized and confirmed at the same church where his grandparents and great grandparents were buried. He has been continuously active in the Episcopal Church as a youth advisor, confirmation sponsor and godparent, as well being active in Cursillo, and the Order of Saint Luke the Physician. He has completed extensive christian education, including Logos Bible Study, and Education for Ministry. Before retirement, CB was an engineer/manager at Qualcomm, and he is excited for the opportunity to bring his vast Christian life experience to the calling process.
Dave Gallaher: Dave considers himself a cradle Episcopalian, having grown up in Christ Church in Hornell, NY where he sang in the Junior Choir and served as an acolyte. Dave served in the Navy during Viet Nam and then married his wife Nancy in Sayre, PA in 1969 prior to moving to Geneva. They joined St. Peter’s in 1972 as “there were babies needing fetchin’ up in the church”. Since becoming a member of the congregation, he has served as an acolyte, chalice bearer and visiting lay eucharistic minister. After multiple terms on the vestry, he served as Jr. & Sr. Warden. When Dave retired from his career at the hospital, he enrolled in and completed the four-year program administered by The University of the South, “Education for Ministry”. He served several years as Lay Delegate to the Diocesan Convention. Dave also served two terms on the Diocesan Commission on Ministry where he was involved in updating and rewriting the section on the Ministry of the Laity. He is currently a pew filler, Chalice Bearer, Lay Eucharistic Visitor and Lay Reader. Dave’s 53 years involvement with St Peter’s have been educational, challenging and ultimately spiritually fulfilling.
Sue Mook: Sue was born and raised in Geneva and have attended St. Peter’s as long as she has lived in Geneva, her whole life!!! Sue was confirmed at St. Peter’s, married at St. Peter’s and has three beautiful children, Jocelyn, Joseph, and Abigail Arruda all baptized at St. Peter’s. Sue’s first husband, Bill Arruda, is interred at St. Peter’s columbarium and her mother is interred there as well and the beautiful window in the chapel was donated in her mother’s memory. Sue’s dad, Joe Marino, is currently a member of St. Peter’s as well as her siblings, Jo Reale and Amy Shoemaker, and their families. Fr. Adams officiated at Sue’s second marriage to Brian Mook as well. Brian has been received into the Episcopal church and they share a strong faith in God. St. Peter’s has been a second home to her and the people of St. Peter’s are a second family to her; supporting her through her darkest days and rejoicing in all my blessings as well. Sue was very active in St. Peter’s during her youth attending many Youth Group events. In her adulthood, she was proud to serve on the vestry for two terms and she enjoys being active during services including offering the readings and prayers of the people. Sue has been an RN since graduating from Keuka College in 1996 and she is currently working as the Director of Quality Improvement and Accreditation for Ontario County Public Health. Sue is very excited to be a part of the search committee for the next rector at St. Peter’s because it is a special place to many. She is certain with the amazing people of St. Peter’s along with the guidance of a supportive priest, St. Peter’s will continue to be home to many generations to come.
Josephine Perry: Josephine was born and raised in Rochester, NY. She attended and graduated from Catholic schools in the city. She received her BS (1962) and MS (1965) from SUNY Geneseo where she met and married Kenneth Perry. It was here that they both joined the Episcopal church. After completing their degrees they moved to Geneva, NY, raising 2 daughters. Josephine retired from teaching in 1997 after 35 years. She now has 4 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Josphine and her husband joined Saint Peter’s Church in 1962 and feel that it is their home and family. Josephine has been active in the community, diocese, and various organizations. She has served on the Diocesan council, represented the NE district, served on the library finance board, Foundation for the Library board, Historic Geneva board, has served on the Vestry at St. Peter’s and served as junior and senior Warden. Josephine has also been the church’s treasurer and serves in any capacity needed by the congregation. In 2000, Josephine was awarded the Diocesan award for Distinguished Community Service from Bishop McKelvey. St. Peter’s is a huge part of her life, and she considers it a family and home, with people that love and support her. She is proud to be part of this wonderful place.
James Trowbridge: Jim and his wife Wendy joined St. Peter’s Church in 1994 and are thrilled to be part of the St. Peter’s Community! Jim can often be heard playing multiple instruments, singing, or coordinating the Neighbor’s Night Program at St. Peter’s Church. He and his wife have been members of St. Peter’s Church for 30 years and have been blessed to have their three boys grow up in our loving faith community. Jim is a recently retired Instrumental music educator from Midlakes High School and is also an adjunct faculty for HWS through their education department. Jim is grateful to have the opportunity to help in the search for the new permanent rector of St. Peter’s Church.
Wendra Trowbridge: Wendra is the Director of Music at St. Peter’s Church and is the Director of the Community Children’s Choir program at SPCAA. Part of her time is also spent as an adjunct vocal instructor at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. She came to St. Peter’s in 1994 with her husband, Jim. They joined the adult choir, and shortly after, Wendra was hired to direct the children’s choir program. Her experience teaching vocal music in NY public schools and time spent singing with a missionary group prepared her for the position. She and her husband have been members of St. Peter’s church for 30 years and their 3 boys were also raised within the St. Peter’s church family. Wendra is grateful to have the opportunity to help in the search for the new permanent rector of St. Peter’s church.
