In Episcopal parishes, in addition to the Rector, the vestry is our governing body of the parish. Made up of members representing the congregation, they're responsibilities include managing resources and finances, ensuring effective organization and planning, property, and selection of the rector.
Sam Hartwell
Senior Warden
Sam is a lifelong Episcopalian and has been a member of St. Paul's for more than 30 years. He is currently finishing his first Vestry term where he serves as Junior Warden. As a stalwart member of what he calls the “7:45 a.m. Club,” Sam has regularly read, ushered, and served as a Chalice Minister at that service. When his three daughters were younger, Sam split time between St. Paul's and its neighbor St. Ann Church (now part of Communion of Saints Parish), where his daughters were confirmed and whose Finance Council he chaired, and served as a delegate to the Catholic diocese’s parish consolidation project.
Sam retired last year as a principal in a small private equity practice. Sam has been happily married for thirty-three years and is actively involved in the non-profit community. He currently serves as Board Chair of Great Lakes Theater and Judson Services, Inc., and has had leadership roles with the local Yale and Harvard Business School Clubs, The Union Club Foundation, and the Tavern Club. He currently serves as a trustee of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the Cleveland Yale Alumni Scholarship, and as a Director of Vanner, Inc., Leather Resources of Ohio, Iron Rock Capital, and the Union Club. Sam enjoys travel and skiing and attempts to stay fit at a local CrossFit affiliate.
Dave Banyard
Junior Warden
Dave Banyard is a lifelong Episcopalian, and started attending St. Paul’s in 2016 when he and his family moved to Shaker Heights from Florida. He has been married to Diane for 21 years, and they have 3 children: Anna, age 18, who attends Hathaway Brown with her sister Teagan, age 14; and Trey, age 16 who attends Gilmour Academy. Dave is the President of Masterbrand Cabinets, the largest manufacturer of kitchen and bath cabinetry in North America. Masterbrand is a division of Fortune Brands Home and Security (NYSE: FBHS) based in Chicago. Dave’s business career has taken him and his family to many places, including several east coast locations, as well as a stint in Stockholm Sweden, but they are all happy to now call Cleveland home. Prior to his business career, Dave was a Naval Aviator and Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, flying the F/A-18C Hornet while deployed aboard the USS America and USS George Washington for a total of three overseas deployments. Dave has served on the vestry for the last 3 years, as well as several other committees over the past few years. In his spare time (which is limited given three teenagers!), Dave enjoys everything outdoors, including fishing, sailing, skiing, and hunting with his lab Ollie.
Susan Vodrey
Clerk
Robin Weaver
Chancellor
E. B. Donley
Treasurer
Jenny Azouri
Jenny Azouri was received into the Episcopal Church at St. Paul’s in 2007 along with her husband, Patrick, who were both born and raised as Catholics. Jenny and Patrick are Pittsburgh natives (and yes, Steelers fans!) and relocated to Cleveland after they were married in 2003. They have two children, Morgan, age 13, who attends Shaker Middle School, and Luke, age 10, who attends Woodbury Elementary School in Shaker Heights. Jenny has been an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Lake County since 2006 and specializes in criminal prosecution. Jenny graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received her J.D. from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. She previously served as a member of the Church School Council from 2015 through 2017 and assisted with Godly Play for a number of years. Jenny has been the co-chair of the Parish Fellowship Committee since 2010 and enjoys organizing events that bring members of the parish together for fellowship. In her free time, Jenny enjoys traveling, yoga, running, and spending time with family. Jenny would be honored to serve on the Vestry.
Carl Carter
Jason Chance
Jason Chance is a lifelong Episcopalian. His family (mother Chris, father Mark, younger brothers Britton and Conor) joined St. Paul’s after moving to Cleveland in the summer of 2005. In that time, he has participated in several of the wonderful programs St. Paul’s offers: youth choir, CAST productions, trips to Harlan and many others. He particularly enjoys being able to come back and volunteer for many of the same programs he enjoyed in high school. Jason graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN with a double major in Math and Physics. While there, one of the highlights was being able to participate in the spectacular annual Christmas Fest concerts four times: once as a member of the Viking Chorus, and three times with the St. Olaf Cantorei. He now works as a tutor, mostly for high school students, splitting his time between science courses, math courses, and standardized test preparation. On his off hours, he sings with the Adult choir, attends productions by the Great Lakes Theatre company and Playhouse Square, or else is catching an indie film at Cedar Lee.
Jennie Kaffen
Cathy Lewis
Liz Patterson
Jim Ptacek
Susan Quill
Chris Smythe
Mark Souther
Avery BZ
Youth Delegate
Avery is a sophomore at Heights High. She has grown up at St. Paul’s and participates in both the choir and the C.A.S.T. program. She also enjoys reading, and playing the piccolo and flute. She is grateful for the opportunity to be a youth vestry delegate this year.
JR W
Youth Delegate
JR is a junior at Saint Ignatius High School, where he is on the sailing team. He has been a member of Saint Paul’s his entire life but has participated in youth programs more consistently over the past four years. He has attended youth pilgrimages, and he serves as an acolyte regularly. He is grateful for the opportunity to represent the youth this year.
