Ward Fleri

Good Samaritan, San Diego

Nominee’s Bio: I grew up on Long Island and attended college and graduate school in New England. After earning a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics, I eventually found my way to San Diego where I worked for 17 years at a small aerospace firm. In 2000, I switched from aerospace to bioinformatics, working as a project manager as the San Diego Supercomputer Center at UCSD and then as senior project manager at the La Jolla Institute for Immunology. I retired in 2018 and now spend my time volunteering for Church and teaching Scottish Country Dancing.

I started attending All Souls’, Point Loma in 1992, with my family. I served on two rector calling committees and led two strategic planning efforts. I completed the four-year Education for Ministry (EFM) program in 1997. I have worshipped at Good Samaritan since 2018, where I facilitated a Sacred Ground small group, recently chaired our rector calling committee, and now serve as Senior Warden. On a diocesan level, I participated in the development of the EDSD 2020 Strategic Plan. I completed my four-year term on the Diocesan Executive Council in November 2024. During my time on the Executive Council, I chaired the Leadership and Congregational Development Committee for three years.

My wife, Cynthia, and I have been married for 40 years. We were involved in a marriage preparation ministry for 20 years and prepared more than 1000 couples for sacramental marriages. Our daughter graduated from The Bishop’s School in 2007.

Nominee’s Statement in Favor of Their Candidacy: I believe the Episcopal Church has something unique to offer people with its theology built upon the elements of Scripture, tradition, and reason. The upcoming General Convention has a critical role in advancing the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. Given my experiences with the Episcopal Church and my spiritual gifts of leadership and organization, I believe I can represent the San Diego Diocese and make a positive contribution at General Convention. My time on the Executive Council informed me of the issues facing the Church, both in the San Diego Diocese and the wider Episcopal Church. And serving on three calling committees has given me greater insight into the polity of the Episcopal Church, some familiarity with other dioceses, and the formation of clergy. My participation in EFM has given me a solid background in Scripture, Church history, and theology. I would like to apply my church and professional experience to actualize the Great Commission and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ.