Mark Eastham, Secretary of the Convention and Chief of Staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, has announced plans to retire December 31, 2026, concluding more than seven years of service to the Diocese.
Since joining diocesan staff in 2019, Mark has provided steady and exceptional leadership through a significant season in the life of the Diocese, including a transition in Episcopal leadership. He served alongside Bishop Susan Goff during her tenure as Ecclesiastical Authority and continued as Chief of Staff following the consecration of the Rt. Rev’d E. Mark Stevenson as the 14th Bishop of Virginia in December 2022.
As Chief of Staff, Mark has guided the ministry of a talented group of individuals called to serve the Diocese of Virginia in their particular way, and supported the bishops in carrying out mission and vision. As Secretary of the Diocese and Annual Convention, he has provided leadership across areas of governance, administration, and the many ministries and institutions that make up the Diocese of Virginia.
Mark came to the Diocese following a long career in Episcopal education. From 2004 to 2019, he served as Head of School at Stuart Hall School in Staunton, an Episcopal school and member of the Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia. During his 15 years as Head of School, Stuart Hall expanded its educational program and deepened its connection to the Episcopal Church. The school’s Eastham Center is named in honor of Mark and his wife, Kathy.
We invite you to celebrate Mark as he enters this new chapter of life, while also helping ensure a healthy and thoughtful transition in the months ahead.
A Note from Mark Eastham
I cannot adequately express what an honor it has been to serve as Secretary and Chief of Staff of the diocese where I was confirmed over 40 years ago. It has been a privilege to work collaboratively with our dedicated staff in support of the true saints of God, the clergy and lay members of our churches who daily embody our mission to ‘Love Jesus. Embody justice. Be disciples.’
A Note from Bishop Stevenson
When I was preparing to become Bishop of Virginia, I knew that some of the most consequential decisions that I would make would be who I asked to stand alongside me in this work. Mark Eastham was already serving this Diocese with extraordinary skill as Chief of Staff and Secretary, and asking him to remain in that role was, without question, one of the best decisions I have made during my episcopacy.
Mark is an exceptional leader. He has the rare ability to see both the larger picture and the details that make that picture possible. He understands institutions and people. He knows when to speak, when to listen, when to challenge, and when simply to be present. His wisdom, steadiness, and integrity have helped guide this Diocese through seasons of transition and tremendous possibility.
Mark has given much of himself to this Diocese, just as he gave so much of himself during his years of leadership in education. His vocation has been marked by a deep commitment to helping institutions and people flourish, and the Diocese of Virginia is stronger because of his leadership.
I will miss having Mark beside me in this work more than I can say. I am profoundly grateful for these years together, and I give thanks to God for Mark, for Kathy, and for all that awaits them in this next chapter.
Well done, my friend, well done. And thank you.