Recently, Okley Gibbs introduced transferring Rotarian Vanessa Clark from Painesville, Ohio. The Very Rev. Vanessa E. B. Clark has served Trinity Episcopal Cathedral as Dean and Rector since 2021, leading the congregation in radical welcome of all persons in worship, service, and community engagement. She initiated direct support of Central High School staff and students. Dean Clark is an active member of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance in Omaha. Under her leadership, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral has increased their outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated our many parishioners in the community, including the annual Pride Mass.She earned a Master of Divinity from Bexley Hall Seminary and was ordained in the Diocese of Southern Ohio. In 2009 she began ministry at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville, Ohio. Leading the parish from service into advocacy and community change. She served as Ecumenical and Interfaith Officer for the Diocese of Ohio and Vice President of the Ohio Council of Churches. Dean Clark’s previous involvement as a board member of Lake County LGBTQ+ Allies and member of the Painesville Rotary Club has made her passionate about social justice and “service above self.” In Painesville Rotary Club she served as the Program Coordinator and helped start a monthly community meal cooked and served by the Club.
Prior to her work in The Episcopal Church, Dean Clark was a professional Stage Manager. She and her husband, author Mark Clark, have two children and happily reside in Omaha.
Welcome to your new Rotary home, Vanessa!
Vanessa Clark with President Larry Guenther and her Rotary sponsor Okley Gibbs
