Canon David Tumilty has served as my Chief of Staff and Executive for Operations for over 16 years beginning September 1, 2001. I am sending this note to let you know he will be completing his service to our Diocese and retiring in 2018.
David has a business degree from San Diego State University and a Master's Degree in Hospital Administration from UCLA. After graduating from UCLA Canon Tumilty spent 27 years in senior level hospital management positions at California Hospital Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital, the Santa Clarita Healthcare Association and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital. He was a Fellow in the Hospital Financial Management Association and his extensive background in all aspects of non-profit organization management and leadership including finance, insurance, business law, owners representative for over $100 million of construction projects, insurance carrier contracting, medical office leasing, human resources, communications, strategic planning, property management, information systems, Board relations and all aspects of hospital operations.
I note these aspects of his background before he came to work for the Diocese to acknowledge how we have benefited by and been well served by an individual with an extensive management background.
David was named an Honorary Canon in 2004 and named to my Order of Angels in 2017. During his tenure he has served as a member of my Executive Staff team with bishops and other senior staff of the Diocese. For nine years he was my key liaison with legal counsel as we pursued and prevailed in protecting the property rights of the Church and set new legal precedent handed down from the State Supreme Court. I am glad to say the staff have sought out his help and counsel when difficult decisions have faced them or when they needed direction in their ministry or during the times of my illness needed decisions or guidance. As my Chief of Staff, David has been involved in all manner of business activities at the Diocese as well as assisting local parishes and missions on many projects. His work at the Diocese consistently affirmed his belief that the single greatest asset of the Diocese is its clergy. They are the foundation upon which strong congregations are built. He is credited with coining the phrase, "Right person, right place, right time" which encapsulates the philosophy of our clergy placement efforts. He has provided me, our other bishops, as well as the Corporation of the Diocese, Diocesan Council, the Disciplinary Board, Standing Committee, the Diocesan Investment Trust, and many other program groups and organizations with administrative support and guidance on behalf of the Bishop's Office.
Beginning December 1, when Bishop Taylor becomes the Bishop Diocesan, Canon Tumilty will continue my commitment to support Bishop Taylor with the episcopal transition occurring in the administration of the Bishop's and Diocesan Offices. His assistance with that transition will conclude at the end of February 2018 and he will then be afforded a time of sabbatical.
As I also conclude my service to the Diocese I want to publicly acknowledge and thank the many ways in which Canon Tumilty has helped me personally and professionally in times of difficulty and in times of celebration. He has been a humble source of knowledge, wisdom, honesty, dependability and friendship. I am grateful for him being at my side throughout my episcopate.
I have been blessed to be your Bishop and to have enjoyed a competent and loyal staff for which I will be forever thankful.
