The Trinity Vestry
Erickson Contreras
Senior Warden
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I've been a member of Trinity since 2003 when my wife Jennifer and I were welcomed into this wonderful community. During this time I've assisted in Sunday morning service as Chalice Bearer, Healer, Greeter, and Liturgist. I've also served two terms in the Vestry, as Treasurer during Rev. Karp's interim period and have helped coordinate the annual auction. I'm honored to continue as a Warden and put to good use my experience as a financial analyst.
Joanne Sundell
Junior Warden
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I'm a mom of two college-aged sons, small business owner with my husband Dan, and an adjunct history instructor at SUNY Erie’s City campus. I’ve been a member and greeter at Trinity for about 20 years. Since 2019, I’ve served on two committees formed to help Trinity to become economically sustainable in an era of declining church membership. I believe that I have a clear understanding of our obstacles and opportunities. As Warden, my intention is to support Matt and the vestry as Trinity transforms into the best, sustainable version of itself.
Bing Sherrill
Treasurer
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After moving into the city from Orchard Park, I came to Trinity in 1985. Carole Bellanca and I were married by Ward Ewing in 1988. After retiring from Moog, I became involved with rental properties, which lead to work on the Trinity Property Committee. Concern that there was insufficient financial information available to Trinity members lead to the weekly essays in the Trinity e-news. Since there are only so many financial numbers one can write about, other subjects like Loons and Santa Claus have crept into the essays. It seems a natural progression move into the treasurer’s role as Alison retires.
Elaine "Gretchen" Lodick
Clerk
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I’ve always loved to sing and my spouse Michael made a deal with me that if I joined the choir, he would come to church. And so I joined and he came and I’ve been a member of the choir for approximately 8 years now. Trinity is so many things to me, a place to sing, to be among loving, kind, respectful, caring people, a place to belong. I have 3 children, all in their 30s now who all live out of town, and I am retired after being a legal secretary at Barclay Damon LLP.
Clint Brown
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Trinity spans my entire life, from Rectors Peter Sturtevant to Matt Lincoln and is a central stream of my life. I have been a choir boy, a member of many committees and served on the Vestry. Alma and I were married at Trinity by the Rev. Warren Lane, who baptized me. My day job as an architect is spent collaboratively designing the renewal of historic buildings and heritage places, so they attract new investment, are relevant for the communities they serve, and are kept out of a landfill. Serving as a Vestry member can fulfill my obligation to give back and an opportunity to give forward.
Emily Carlin
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I'm a Buffalo native and I have been a member of Trinity since moving back to Western New York in 2017. I majored in Logic at Smith College and have masters degrees in philosophy and information science from Indiana University and the University of Missouri. I'm the medical librarian for Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Mary's, and Niagara Falls Memorial Hospital. I live in Amherst with my husband Fan and our daughter Zoe.
Chris Cuccia
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I was raised Roman Catholic and hadn’t been to church in several years. Starting to visit churches in the neighborhood, I went to explore several faiths in the area before finding my way into the Church of the Ascension. My first day there, I said to myself that I found my new home on Sunday. As luck would have it, on that it was announced that Ascension would close in the coming months. After Ascension closed, I spent a brief time at the Church of the Good Shepherd, where I officially joined the Episcopal Church, Soon after, I went to Trinity one Sunday morning and have been here since. We have a great group at Trinity. I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday, lighting candles for our folks online, and our monthly lunch after service.
Susan Doherty
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I have been a member of Trinity Church for over 40 years. I taught Sunday School for many years, volunteered with our major fundraisers; the White Elephant Sale and later our yearly Auction. I traveled to El Salvador on three mission trips with other members of Trinity. Prior to the pandemic I was part of a group from Trinity that volunteered at Hamlin Park school. Currently I sing in our choir. As a docent with Explore Buffalo I have started giving tours of our church-I think it is important to share our beautiful spaces with others! What initially attracted me to Trinity is also what keeps me here as a member: a welcome and inclusive community. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey there is a place for you here. As a vestry member I would like to work to welcome others in the community to experience our hospitality and beautiful campus.
Connie Ervin
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I am a native Buffalonian and have been a member of Trinity since 2012. I started as one of the volunteer musicians that performed on Thursdays at 7. Currently, I am a local entrepreneur operating a small catering and educational company called Aunt Connie’s Ed-U-Kitchen LLC. I am using that expertise to maintain Nina’s Kitchen as a commercial space for the Trinity community. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the vestry and look forward to serving on the team as needed.
Jane Kearns
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I am honored to be asked to put my name up for vestry! I have been an active member since 1976. Trinity has been an important part of my life all of these years. I taught the Sunday school nursery for more than 8 years, served on vestry 2 terms, leader of the kitchen area for the White Elephant Sale for many years and since its demise, have offered assistance in various fundraisers as I have been able. I have just retired from Hunt REC after 42 years and have enough energy left to assist Trinity in any way needed.
Jess Poleon
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My background in public service (I work for Erie County) will assist me in serving the congregation as a vestry member. I am a good listener and will listen to what the members want. I bring a fresh set of eyes and perspective to the table. Everyone's voice is essential. No matter how large or small someone believes themselves to be, we are all equal and must be part of the conversations carrying the church into the future. I currently serve on the WNY ASIS [American Society of Industrial Securities] as co-vice chair, having served five terms as chair. I live in the Blackrock section of Buffalo with my husband Paul, who I've shared 21 blissful years of marriage and counting, our teenage son PJ (Paul Jr.), and our two dogs, Harley and Jack. If anyone has any questions, feel free to reach out.
Missy Stolfi
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I joined Trinity on Christmas Eve 2022 after growing up Catholic and wandering faith-wise since my young adult years. Right away, it felt like home! Since then, I've volunteered as a reader, altar server, and at Trinity events. In February 2023, I began a six-year term as Trinity's representative on the Board of Directors for Compass House and am chairing this year's Coldest Night of the Year walk committee. My career background is in higher education and nonprofits, and I currently serve as the area director for the Capital Region NY (Albany) Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I'm excited for the opportunity and challenge to help guide Trinity into its next chapter with love, creativity, and in service to God and to the Buffalo community.
Cynthia J. Stroud
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I am affectionately known as Cindy, and I work as a staff member of the Clean Air Coalition, based here at Trinity. I have been asked by the nominating committee to bring a Trinity partner perspective to the vestry. I am a proud Buffalonian who graduated from the Buffalo Public School system. I am always ready to lend a helping hand to my community and anyone in need. I am deeply committed to community health. Additionally, I have experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, negotiating contracts with a labor union, and ensuring a complete count during each census cycle, including the homeless population. In all of these efforts, inclusion and reducing disparities are priorities.