Vestry

The vestry is the governing board of church members who are canonically responsible for managing the church’s resources and finances. At St. Martin’s, vestry members are also seen as spiritual leaders of the congregation, working alongside the rector and professional staff to help shape and support St. Martin’s mission. The vestry is led by two “wardens:” the Senior Warden, who leads the parish in the absence of or between rectors, and the Junior Warden, who has primary responsibility for church buildings and property. The Vestry meets monthly to review the financial health of the parish, to discuss improvements, and to prayerfully consider the needs, and goals for the parish and community.

VESTRY MEMBERS:

Class of 2026 | Term May 2023 – June 2026

Dan Sturgeon, Senior Warden srwarden@stmartinsinthefield.org A member of St Martin's for over 40 years, Dan has taught Sunday school, led Middle School youth group, served on vestry and been involved in several other ministries. Dan currently serves on the AV team and is on his second term as Senior Warden. He led the vestry in the selection of the last two Rectors.	Julie Reiter A member at St. Martins for about 15 years, this is Julie's second time on the vestry. Her kids were baptized and confirmed here, and attended St. Martins Episcopal School for middle school. She involved in various ministries including; as a J2A leader, hospitality, lector, and more recently started the Walkin' Loves group and the Midday Bible Study.	Wendy Gatanas Wendy has attended SMITF since 2010 with her husband Andy and daughter Markella. Wendy has been involved in children’s ministries, handbell choir, served as an usher as well as assisted in various other activities helping those in need in the congregation.	Mark Sabins A lifelong resident of Severna Park, Mark has been a member of St. Martins since 2001, when he and his wife Karen were married. Mark serves as the Vestry liaison to St. Martin’s Episcopal School.

Class of 2027 | Term May 2024 – June 2027

Aaron Carman, Junior Warden jrwarden@stmartinsinthefield.org Currently serving as the Junior Warden and the Handbell Director, Aaron works as a property adjuster for Erie Insurance. He lives in Brooklyn Park with his wife, Tabitha, and two youngest daughters Mackenzie and Nadia.	Susan Gibbons A member of St. Martin's, with her husband John, since 1985, Susan has led adult education, taught Sunday School, and is serving her second term on the Vestry. She is member of Shepherd's group, the choir, and the Partners in Transition Group. She retired in 2016 from a 40-year career in clinical social work specializing in mental health.	Chris Lucas Chris started attending St. Martin's with his wife (Liz) and kids (Ben, Nate) in 2022. He volunteers as a co-lead of the Faith and Family Group and reads at services. Chris works for W. R. Grace and went to Penn State for Chemical Engineering undergrad and Temple for his MBA.	Guy Merritt Gus began attending St. Martins during the pandemic through the Bible Workbench. He lives in Crownsville with wife Mary, adult sons Alex and Matthew, and mother Madeline.

Class of 2028 | Term March 2025 – February 2028

Elaine Rice Bachmann Elaine has been a member of St. Martin's since 2003. She and her husband Austin raised their two sons, Max and Gus, in this church. Elaine was confirmed in the Episcopal Church as an adult, at St. Martin's.	Tim George A member of St. Martin's for nearly 10 years, Tim has served on Vestry once before. He is a Rite-13 leader, usher and has participated in three trips with St. Martin's for the Appalachian Service Project (ASP) where we work with our youth to make homes warmer, safer and drier. He was a member of the Rector search committee. Professionally, Tim has worked in city management for eight years and before that was a strategic planning consultant. He enjoys playing golf, working on household projects, baking bread and spending time with his family and his two dogs.	Linda Heiss Linda has been an active member of St. Martin’s since 2022. She was raised in the Protestant faith and was received into the Episcopal Church in 2024. Linda helped establish the church’s bread ministry, which involves guiding children in baking the Lent and Advent Eucharist bread. Linda is passionate about deepening her connection with the St. Martin’s community and expanding her role within the parish.	John Theune

OFFICERS OF THE VESTRY:

Sally Burton, Treasurer treasurer@stmartinsinthefield.org	Kevin O’Connell, Chancellor	Charlie Fitzgerald Finance Committee Chair

YOUTH REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VESTRY:

Nick Theoret Class of 2027 at Severna Park High School, Nick participates in both soccer and track. Other hobbies include reading and videogames.	Philip Cleven

Buildings and Grounds:  Ardath Cade, Chair

Architectural:  Debbie Fitzgerald, Chair

Personnel: Andy Taylor, Chair