The Scottish Episcopal Church, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, has appointed a new secretary general.
Dr Dee Bird, who will take up the role this summer, has been CEO of the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association since 2020.
She is the first woman to hold the position of secretary general in the Church’s General Synod Office (GSO) since its establishment in 1983.
As secretary general, Dr Birdwill serve as the chief executive officer of the GSO, which supports the General Synod's work on the mission and growth of the Scottish Episcopal Church and governance of key parts of its structures.
Dr Bird said in a statement: "As a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church, I feel honoured and privileged to have been appointed to this post. I'm excited about the opportunities to evolve and grow the Church through collaboration and partnership-working between the Province, the seven Dioceses and local congregations”.
Originally from New Jersey, Dr Bird moved to Scotland in 1997. While at Edinburgh Napier, she was responsible for strategic and operational leadership of the charity, which serves 19,000 students based both in Edinburgh and internationally.
Prior to her current role, Dr Bird served as an assistant director at the Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education (SFC) for eight years.
During a part-time secondment from SFC, she also served as project lead for Hub for SUCCESS- a regional service supporting care-experienced individuals.
Dr Bird holds a Master’s degree and a PhD in Literature, Theology and Arts from the University of Glasgow as well as a Master of Divinity from what is now known as Palmer Seminary in Philadelphia.
Ms Bridget Campbell, who led the recruitment process said: "Dee will bring a fresh approach and strategic perspective, as well as much relevant knowledge and experience, to the work of the Scottish Episcopal Church at Provincial level”.
Dr Bird is expected to start in her new role on 1st August, after a handover period with current post-holder, John Stuart.
She will also attend the General Synod meeting in Edinburgh in June.