Two new senior staff positions and appointments at the Mercer School of Theology, a Director of Academic Programs and a Director of Operations, were announced on June 21 by Bishop Larry Provenzano, head of the school and Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.

Diane Muscarella, well known throughout the diocese and a current member of the Mercer School staff was named to the new full-time position of Director of Operations. She has been serving as administrator and registrar of the school. Ms. Muscarella has held positions with the Diocese of Long Island for nineteen years.  She is a graduate of Wellesley College.

F.W. (Ted) Gerbracht, PhD, a long serving leader well known in the diocese, was named Director of Academic Programs, a new part-time position. He has taught at the Mercer School for more than a decade, with a special interest in Anglican reform movements in English and North American Episcopal Church history. His doctorate, in history, is from New York University.  He has served the Episcopal Church in an elected six-year term on its General Board of Examining Chaplains.

Bishop Provenzano, who has been restructuring the mission and ministries of the diocese for greater coordination and effectiveness, says these new appointments will enhance the ability of Mercer to serve the cathedral and the diocese by deepening resources the diocese offers to lay and clergy for their service to parishes and communities. In a recent letter to Mercer’s faculty Bishop Provenzano said, “There are tremendous opportunities before us, and we need both Diane and Ted, along with the rest of the Mercer staff, to help guide and facilitate our formation ministry throughout the diocese.”

The Director of Operations is responsible for the administration and the day-to-day operations of the Mercer School and its related conference center. The position will liaise with the bishop about decisions related to operational activities and strategic goals. This position reports directly to Bishop Provenzano and the Mercer School Board of Trustees president.

The Director of Academic Programs will develop and deliver a curriculum for local formation of vocational deacons and (in special cases) priests, as well as create and implement programs for continuing education of clergy, in collaboration with the Canon for Ministry Support and the Canon for Pastoral Care. This position is accountable directly to the Bishop Diocesan and the Mercer School Board of Trustees.

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