MARY WESTFALL - RELATIONAL
CO-LEADER
Mary Westfall begins her work as Relational Co-leader of Coastlands Presbytery, after 30 years in ministry. Growing up in Colorado, a pastor's daughter, Mary attended Sterling College in Kansas, then soon after attended San Francisco Theological Seminary. While in seminary she was particularly drawn to theologies of liberation which continue to inform her work and spiritual practice.
Starting her ministry with West-Park Presbyterian Church in New York City, she experienced the power of community and the challenge of the gospel as she worked to provide pastoral care to those with AIDS/HIV, mental health issues and economic challenges. After several dynamic years she was called to serve as a Chaplain and Executive Director of the United Campus Ministry at the University of New Hampshire, where she served for 10 years, during which time she pursued a PhD in Environmental Ethics. From the richness of the academic setting she then served as Head of Staff of a lively United Church of Christ Congregation, where she pastored for 17 years, before moving to California. Most recently, Mary served as the Transitional Executive Presbyter for North Central California, where her work focused on merging two presbyteries, providing leadership in adaptive and innovative change during the pandemic and working on vision and restructure of the new presbytery.
Mary is delighted to return to the east both for meaningful work and also to enjoy greater proximity to family and many friends. Along with husband Dale Rasmussen, the couple have four children, two in NH and two in the DC area. Mary finds renewal and refreshment in nature, through music, conviviality with friends and colleagues, and travel. She brings to her new position a life-time of experience in the church, a commitment to the gospel, a deep love for people, a passion for justice and advocacy, and a quirky sense of humor. Joining the staff she looks forward to the "new thing" God is doing in Coastlands Presbytery and exploring with colleagues and congregations how best to be the living body of Christ in these challenging, yet promising times.
JEAN WOODMAN - ADMINISTRATIVE
CO-LEADER & STATED CLERK
Ruling Elder Jean Woodman loves putting polity and policy to work in the name of Christ. She is a former presbytery moderator, was a commissioner to the 216th General Assembly, and has served on nominating committees in her congregation, presbytery, and synod. When Coastlands first formed she served on the finance petal team and as a trustee. She brings 25 years of technical writing and database experience in physicians’ liability insurance, video on demand, a small foundation, and small businesses in transition. More recently she managed office operations in a community outpatient addiction treatment agency and was board secretary for two municipal boards. Jean holds BA degrees in Computer Science and German and a recent MBA, all from Rutgers University.
CATHY DILLON
After graduating from Assumption College and Northeastern University, Cathy worked as an accountant, financial analyst, and systems analyst for over 30 years at large and small consumer goods companies. During that time, Cathy sharpened her skills in accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and systems analysis and integration. She thoroughly enjoys working with clients, organizing their financial systems, and helping them get on track and stay there!
Cathy lives in Rhode Island with her 2 teenage sons, Nikolai and Dmitriy, and her dog Max. During her free time, she enjoys attending her sons’ dance competitions, wrestling tournaments, and Boy Scout events. She is the Treasurer of Dmitriy’s scout troop. Cathy is also an avid knitter and attends several fiber festivals throughout the year.
Chris Renshaw is recent graduate of Princeton Seminary and most recently worked in an administrative position at Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, New Jersey.
Chris is excited to provide administrative support to the Presbytery of the Coastlands as it grows into a dynamic missional community serving both church and world. He will be our Interim Executive Office Administrator.