To our diocesan community:
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the departure of Brad Thompson, who has faithfully served as the Executive Director of St. Columba Episcopal Camp and Retreat Center since 2011. Effective September 1, Brad will assume the role of Executive Director at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, a ministry of The Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida.
Brad’s tenure at St. Columba has been marked by remarkable growth and development. Under his leadership, St. Columba successfully executed a capital campaign, which culminated in a $3 million expansion of the facilities. This significant project included the addition of Johnson Lodge and Coleman Lodge, both of which are fully accessible, inspired by the spirit and mission of Camp Able, St. Columba’s camp dedicated to serving young people with special needs.
Under Brad’s leadership, St. Columba received the Bishop’s Cross Award at Diocesan Convention in 2023 in recognition of the outstanding work of the board and staff during the challenging COVID years.
Brad’s commitment to the wider Episcopal community extends beyond his role at St. Columba, including serving as President and Treasurer of the Episcopal Camp and Conference Centers, an association of more than 95 centers. His wife, Mary Henry, has been the Assistant Chaplain at St. Mary’s Episcopal School since 2012.
As Brad prepares to embark on this new chapter at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his years of service in West Tennessee. A Memphis-area celebration in honor of the Thompson family will take place on Sunday, August 25; more details will be shared soon.
It has been a pleasure to work with Brad since 2019 and to witness the many ways in which he has enhanced St. Columba’s ministry in West Tennessee. We pray for a safe and successful transition for the Thompson family as they move to Southwest Florida.
May St. Columba continue to be a sacred space in the center of Memphis.
Peace,
Bishop Phoebe
