The American Anglican Council (AAC) has a new acting CEO now that Bishop-Elect Phil Ashey has moved into his role as bishop of the Diocese of Western Anglicans. Bishop-Elect Ashey will remain the AAC’s President.
At the latest AAC board meeting, from February 4-5, 2025, The Rev. Canon Mark Eldredge was named the acting CEO, and Bishop-Elect Ashey was honored for his past service to the organization as both President and CEO. Discussions were had on just how the AAC will move forward in this season of transition with each leader stepping into his new role. There is a growing commitment to focus on the domestic health of ACNA leaders and congregations and to come alongside the province and resource them for increased health and growth across North America. Up until now, Canon Mark was the Chief Operating Officer as well as Director of the AAC’s Anglican Revitalization Ministries. He will continue to be the director of that important ministry as he undertakes his new role as acting CEO.
“Anglicanism is a vibrant way of walking with Jesus that needs greater health if it’s going to grow,” said Canon Mark. “I’m thankful to be able to take up this new role in leading the AAC in this next season to bring that kind of health wherever we can.” He added that the mission has become more sharply focused on three key areas: healthy leaders, healthy churches, and healthy governance. “Health,” he said, “is what’s needed at every level of the Church.” The American Anglican Council is prepared to meet that call for increased health moving forward in 2025.
Canon Mark was born near Buffalo, NY but grew up in Palm Coast, FL. He received his Bachelor of Science from Florida State University and his Master of Divinity from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, PA. After serving as an Associate Priest for three years at an Episcopal Church in Midland, TX, Mark moved to Jacksonville to be the Senior Pastor of Epiphany Episcopal Church. While leading that church through revitalization, he also moved the church into what has become the Anglican Church of North America. After 14 years there, Mark became the Director of Anglican Revitalization Ministries, helping local congregations better fulfill the Great Commission in our times. He has also served a similar role as the Canon for Congregational Health for the Gulf Atlantic Diocese based in Jacksonville, FL. Mark is married to his best friend, Ame, and has three adult children and two grandchildren.
For more information about Canon Mark’s work with Anglican Revitalization Ministries, visit www.americananglican.org/anglican-revitalization-ministries.
