Tracey Beasley, a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, Philadelphia, was elected Vice President of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in an election held as part of the annual Synod Assembly on Friday, May 3, 2013. The Vice President is the chief lay officer of the Synod, chairs the Synod Council and represents the Synod in a variety of capacities in the ELCA. Her term begins following the conclusion of the Assembly on May 4.
The Vice President was elected to a term to end in 2017. Since the current Vice President, Patricia Robinson, is retiring, the Nominating committee presented two nominees for consideration, Beasley and Doreen Kinzler, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Mayfair), Philadelphia. There were no nominations from the floor.
Of the 361 ballots cast, Beasley received 254 votes, more than the 181 required to receive a majority, and Kinzler 152. SEPA Bishop Claire Burkat declared Beasley elected, and thanked Kinzler for her willingness to be nominated.
Tracey Beasley was a member of Synod Council from 2005-2011, including serving on the Synod Council Executive Board from 2006-2011. She has served on the Synod’s Candidacy Committee since 2008, and served on the Synod’s Tanzania Companion Team from 2008 – 2010. She has been actively been involved in the congregational life at Reformation, serving as Congregation Council President, Congregation Treasurer, Minister of Worship and Music, and Chair of the Sunday School. Beasley is Treasurer of the African Descent Lutheran Association, Philadelphia Chapter. She holds an MBA from West Chester University, and is Tax Department Supervisor for Asplundh Tree Expert Company.
— John Kahler