Cathedral Staff

The Very Rev. Lisa Hackney-James (email) joined the staff of St. James Cathedral, Chicago as Sub-Dean in October 2015, and was elected Provost in October 2022. Following a first career as a professional harpist, Lisa was ordained at St. James Cathedral in 2003 and returned to the Diocese of Chicago in 2014 after nearly a decade of ministry in Cleveland Heights, an inner-ring suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Learn more about Lisa.

Steven Balke CANON FOR PASTORAL CARE AND OUTREACH

The Rev. Canon Steven Balke (email) serves as Canon for Pastoral Care and Outreach at the Cathedral. Prior to ordained ministry, Steven was an educator at the Holman Learning Center at Eastern Michigan University and taught Social Studies in the Detroit Public Schools, where he supported the causes of social justice, racial reconciliation, and mental and emotional health care. Learn more about Steven.

Christopher Griffin CANON FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Christopher Griffin (email) joined the Cathedral staff in 2023 as Canon for Community Partnerships. In addition to his position at the Cathedral, he also serves as Vicar of St. Martin’s Epsicopal Church in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, where he has served for 13 years.  Learn more about Chris.

 

Brenda Kilpatrick (email) grew up in Kenosha, WI. For the past twenty-three years she has divided her time between Chicago and Milwaukee, WI. After graduating with a bachelor's and two masters degrees, Brenda accepted a full-time position in the Psychology department at Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI. Learn more about Brenda.

 

Robert Black CANON FOR FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Canon Robert Black (email) directs the administration, finances, communications, and operations of the Cathedral. He was formerly president and CEO of a non-profit media organization that produced weekly television programs about religion for national cable television. Learn more about Robert.

 

David Boeckh ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

David Boeckh (email) recently completed his master's degree at Indiana University where he studied organ with Christopher Young with a minor in choral conducting. David finished his undergraduate degree at Oberlin Conservatory as a student of James David Christie. Before coming to IU, David worked for two years as the Organ Scholar at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, where he assisted Bruce Neswick. Learn more about David.

Shaun Bond SENIOR CATHEDRAL SEXTON

Shaun Bond has been working at the cathedral since 2014, having started as a volunteer with the meals ministry. He enjoys the working environment of St. James Commons, and finds it a great blessing to have the opportunity to work with such a wide range of wonderful people.

 

 

Stephen Buzard CANON DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Stephen Buzard (email) is the principal musician of the Cathedral, leading, managing, and coordinating the music program. Formerly acting organist and director of music at Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue, New York City, Stephen is a graduate of Westminster Choir College and Yale University Institute of Sacred Music. He was named one of the top 20 organists under 30 by The Diapason magazine. Learn more about Stephen.

 

Briana Calhoun DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES

Briana Calhoun (email) has 10 years experience as a music educator (PreK-8) in both public and private schools and 12 years in a wide variety of outdoor ministry roles. Most recently she was Spiritual Director at Camp Chicago, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago’s summer camp. In addition to her education and outdoor ministry roles, Briana has served on the nursery staff and helped lead Sunday School at Church of Our Saviour, and was previously a youth group leader at her church back home in Fairfax, VA. Learn more about Briana.

Jocelyn Colao ASSOCIATE FOR ADMINISTRATION

Jocelyn Colao (email) serves as the Associate for Administration at the Cathedral and is a member of the Cathedral Choir. She brings over 10+ years of administrative experience to her position, with focuses on arts administration, non-profit administration, and parish administration, having served in the Episcopal Diocese of NJ before moving to the Chicago area. Learn more about Jocelyn.

 

Jacquelyn Lord CHEF

Jacquelyn Lord is a classically trained chef with over a decade of kitchen and catering experience. A summa cum laude graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, she is fluent in numerous culinary styles including French, Mediterranean, Italian, and classic American fare. Chef Jackie loves serving her community, elevating comfort food into truly memorable experiences, and spreading love one meal at a time. 

 

Jessica McCarthy INTERN FOR CHILDREN'S MUSIC

Jessica McCarthy (email) joined the Cathedral staff in 2022. In her early years, Jess was a Chorister at the Washington National Cathedral and sang in the Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW). Jess is currently studying at the Chicago College of Performing Arts seeking her double degree in Music Education and Vocal performance. During her time there, she has been Stage Manager for the Junior/ Senior Opera and performed at the Chicago Symphony Center. Learn more about Jess.

Tamarra Newbern RECEPTIONIST

Tamarra Newbern (email) became a member of the St. James Cathedral team in August of 2023, stepping into the role of receptionist. Her primary focus revolves around extending a warm welcome to all guests and visitors. Learn more about Tamarra.

 

 

Christine Price ACCOUNTANT

Christine Price (email) processes disbursements, records financial activities, and prepares the financial statements for the Finance Commission and the Cathedral Chapter. She joined the Cathedral staff in June 2015 and enjoys working with the Summer in the City program and participating in various St. James activities and religious programs. Learn more about Christine.

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