Vestry & Leadership
The parishioners elected to serve as stewards of St. James — its ministry, its resources, and its future.
What is the Vestry?
The Vestry is the elected lay leadership body of St. James the Less. Vestry members are elected by the parish to serve as stewards and decision-makers for the church's spiritual and financial health. The Priest in Charge serves as chair, working with the Vestry in shared ministry.
Vestry members serve three-year terms and are committed to:
- Prayerful discernment in parish decisions
- Faithful stewardship of resources
- Supporting the Rector and staff
- Serving the congregation's spiritual and pastoral needs
- Ensuring the parish mission is advanced
Officers
Wardens
Nancy Chamlee
Senior Warden
Baptized and confirmed at St. John’s in Chase City, Virginia, Nancy has been part of St. James since she and her husband Bob moved their membership from St. Thomas, Richmond, in 1995.
Sylvia Spagna
Junior Warden
Sylvia and her husband George began attending St. James their very first Sunday in Ashland in 1986, and raised both daughters in this parish. She has served on the Vestry twice before and is a long-time member of the Altar Guild.
Elected Lay Leadership
Vestry Members
John Krause
Vestry Member
A seventh-generation Episcopalian baptized in Sussex, Wisconsin, John and his wife Geri moved often during his Navy career. He served on the Vestry, and as Junior Warden, at St. Andrews-by-the-Sea in San Diego.
Beth Baxter
Vestry Member
Beth came to St. James at the start of the pandemic after moving to Ashland from Glen Allen. Raised Methodist in Knoxville, Tennessee, she was confirmed by Bishop Stevenson after making this parish her home.
Julie Ericksen
Vestry Member
A lifelong Episcopalian and member since 1998, Julie has served eight years on the Vestry and as Junior Warden. She currently serves as a Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister, Counter, and Tech Support.
PK Kinser
Vestry Member
Ashland has been PK’s home community for 35 years and St. James her church home for 22. She came to the parish while leading a middle school youth group and seeking a church community for her own children.
Richard Grosse
Vestry Member
A member for more than 20 years, Richard co-led the youth group for seven years, served as director of adult education, and previously served a term on the Vestry.
Derrick Rosser
Vestry Member
Derrick and his wife Janet celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary in 2024. Their three sons—Sam, Charlie, and Will—grew up attending St. James the Less.
Barbara Bauserman
Vestry Member
St. James has become a place of grounding, grace, and belonging for Barbara, who considers it an honor to give back by serving as a member of the Vestry.
Jessica Dowdy
Vestry Member
Born and raised an Episcopalian, Jessica grew up at Immanuel Old Church, where she was baptized as a baby, and remembers Sunday drives down Broaddus Flats with her family.
Douglas Bower
Vestry Member
A lifelong Episcopalian raised at the Church of Our Savior in Somerset, Massachusetts, Douglas met his wife Karen in the Canterbury fellowship at Christ Church, Blacksburg. They have been members since 1997.
Rachel Reynolds
Vestry Member
Rachel grew up in Presbyterian, Methodist, and Lutheran congregations in Florida and served on her home church’s Board of Deacons in high school. She came to the Episcopal Church as an adult.
Parish Governance
Monthly Meetings
The Vestry meets monthly to discuss parish business, finances, ministries, and upcoming initiatives.
Annual Meeting
Once yearly, the parish gathers for the Annual Meeting to elect vestry members, review financials, and hear updates on parish life.
Open to All
All parishioners are welcome to attend vestry meetings and share concerns. Contact us for meeting times.
Interested in Serving?
St. James welcomes parishioners interested in vestry leadership or other forms of parish service.