Leadership changes support shared ministry across SUS-UNY Episcopal Area
- UNY Communications
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
By Shelby Winchell and Matthew Shineman, Director of Communications for Upper New York and Susquehanna Conferences | Email
As the Susquehanna (SUS) and Upper New York (UNY) Conferences continue deepening their partnership in ministry following the Northeastern Jurisdiction’s formation of the new episcopal area in 2024, two key staffing transitions are helping support the shared work of the SUS–UNY Episcopal Area.
Welcoming New Leadership in the Episcopal Office
On Monday, June 8, 2026, Lorie Taylor joined the Susquehanna Conference Office in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, as the new SUS–UNY Episcopal Executive Administrative Assistant. At the same time, Mary Bradley transitioned from her role as UNY Episcopal Office Manager to serve as the SUS–UNY Cabinet Administrator, continuing her work from the Conference Office in Liverpool, New York.
These changes follow the retirement of Cindy Weaver, SUS Episcopal Executive Administrative Assistant, and reflect a thoughtful effort to build upon existing strengths while ensuring continued support for local churches, conference leadership, and the ministries shared across two separate conferences.
Who to Contact — and When
While both positions support the work of the bishop and the entire episcopal area, their responsibilities are distinct.
Contact Mary Bradley, Cabinet Administrator, for the following:
Cabinet operations
Clergy records and status
District administration
Appointment process
Retirements
District Superintendent reports
Cabinet meetings and related administrative processes (for both conferences)
Alternatively, contact Lorie Taylor, SUS-UNY Episcopal Executive Administrative Assistant, for the following:
Scheduling requests
Invitations for the bishop to preach or attend events
Episcopal correspondence
Travel and logistics
General inquiries directed to the Bishop’s Office (for both conferences)
In simple terms, Mary supports the work of the Cabinet and clergy systems. Lorie is the primary point of contact for the bishop and day‑to‑day operations of the episcopal office.
Communication During the Transition
As the new episcopal area office takes shape, some communication details—such as email addresses, phone numbers, and office systems—are still being finalized. Updated information will be shared as it becomes available.
In the meantime:
Bishop’s Office inquiries should be sent to bishopsoffice@susumc.org or bishopsoffice@unyumc.org
Cabinet administration questions should be sent to either cabinetadministrator@susumc.org or cabinetadministrator@unyumc.org
If you are unsure whom to contact, either Mary or Lorie will gladly connect you with the right person.
A Word from Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez
“We are stepping into a new season—one in which we build upon our existing strengths while ensuring continued support for our local churches, conference leadership, and the ministries we share across two distinct conferences within this episcopal area,” said Bishop Héctor A. Burgos-Núñez, resident bishop. “This is not a merger, nor a blurring of identities. It is a faithful adaptation to the new missional realities before us. I am truly excited for the creativity and collaboration that will emerge as we live into this future together, and I look forward to working closely with both Mary and Lorie in this new configuration.”
Voices from the Team
As she steps into her new role, Mary brings deep experience and a passion for strengthening relationships across the episcopal area.
“I’m excited for the opportunities this new role brings to collaborate more closely across both conferences, strengthen existing relationships, and build new ones. My 23 years of experience serving in a variety of roles within The United Methodist Church have prepared me for this next chapter, and I look forward to using that experience to support the mission and ministry of the entire episcopal area.”
Lorie’s call to administration emerged through spiritual discernment and affirmation within her local church.
“My experience working in both small and large organizations have prepared me to manage a variety of responsibilities, and I look forward to using my organizational, time management, and problem‑solving skills to support the bishop and the ministry of this episcopal area.”