Laura L. Willis is the new director of advancement and marketing for St. Mary’s Sewanee: The Ayres Center for Spiritual Development.
St. Mary’s Sewanee is a retreat and conference center resting on 230 bluff view acres atop the Cumberland Plateau, a short distance from the University of the South.
“Laura is passionate about the mission of St. Mary’s Sewanee,” said the Rev. Dr. Andy Anderson, executive director. “She has actively participated in our retreats and other offerings. In her 27 years on the Mountain, Laura has dedicated herself to building community, supporting those in need, and working to encourage abundance, generosity, and faithfulness. The experience and energy she brings are a great asset for us at this time. She will be a great addition to our team.”
Willis has served in a variety of leadership roles on the Mountain, including the South Cumberland Community Fund, Sewanee Mountain Messenger, Community Action Committee at Otey Parish, and the development office at the University of the South. She will continue to represent Sewanee on the board of Duck River Electric Membership Corp.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
