Rev. Dr. Jean G. Hawxhurst serves as an Ecumenical Staff Officer for the United Methodist Council of Bishops. Her responsibilities include general ecumenical engagement with organizations and groups, and leadership development. She has served in this appointment for over 4 years. Dr. Hawxhurst holds a BA degree in mathematics and education from the University of Richmond, an MDiv degree in theology from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a DMin degree from Louisville Seminary, with a focus on theological diversity. She is an ordained elder in the Kentucky Annual Conference, and prior to this appointment served three local congregations and as a District Superintendent. She lives in Simpsonville, KY with her spouse Rev. Dr. Jerry Cappel, a priest in the Episcopal Church USA and alpaca herder, and is the grateful step-mother of two adult children.