The people of St. Paul’s
Clergy & Staff
Meet the clergy and staff who support worship, pastoral care, music, and daily life at St. Paul’s. We welcome your questions and look forward to getting to know you.
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Our clergy
Our clergy lead worship, offer pastoral care, and help us connect our faith with everyday life.
The Very Rev. Nicola Dance Chase
Dean of the Cathedral
Amma Nicola leads St. Paul’s as Dean of the Cathedral. She is passionate about building active communities of faith that are “Grounded in Worship, Deepening in Faith, and Reaching Out in Love.”
Read Nicola’s biography
Nicola was installed as St. Paul’s fifth Dean on September 28, 2023. Before entering ordained ministry, she worked as a physicist and measurement scientist, including 15 years as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at Iowa State University.
Born and raised in England, she moved to the United States in 1999. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially time at Iowa’s lakes in summer.
She holds degrees in physics from the University of Nottingham and the University of Surrey, and a Master of Divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific. She came to St. Paul’s in January 2020 and served as Canon Provost and Acting Dean before becoming Dean.
The Rt. Rev. Betsey Monnot
Bishop of the Diocese of Iowa
Bishop Monnot is the leader of the Diocese of Iowa ↗. She is passionate about strengthening the bond of congregations through their shared love of Christ.
She joins St. Paul’s for holy days and special occasions, as we are the spiritual center of the Diocese of Iowa.
Read Betsey’s biography
Betsey was consecrated as Iowa’s tenth bishop on December 18, 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the diocese. Her earlier ministry included parish leadership in California, diocesan leadership development, and serving as co-rector with her husband Michael in Sacramento.
The Rev. Michael Monnot
Priest Associate
Michael serves as Priest Associate, sharing in the worship and ministry of St. Paul’s alongside the Cathedral’s clergy.
Read Michael’s biography
Michael joined the Cathedral in late 2022. He discerned his call to ministry while serving as a youth minister at St. James’ Episcopal Church in San Francisco. He has held various roles within the Diocese of Northern California, including serving as co-rector with his wife Betsey and as a member of the Board of Trustees.
The Rev. John Doherty
Deacon
Deacon John assists with social ministries, community engagement, and pastoral visitation. He is passionate about helping people get out into the world to do the work Christ has called them to.
Read John’s biography
John was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Iowa in 2007. Before joining St. Paul’s staff, he owned Doherty’s Flowers. He is an avid runner.
Our staff
Our staff support the music, communication, finances, outreach, and daily life of St. Paul’s.
Kyler Brown
Director of Music & Organist
Director of Cathedral Arts
Kyler Brown is an accomplished organist and conductor with a distinguished career in sacred music.
Read Kyler’s biography
Before joining St. Paul’s Cathedral, he held positions in Manhattan at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Episcopal), St. Jean Baptiste on the Upper East Side, and St. Joseph’s in Greenwich Village.
He is the founder of The Virgin Consort, a professional ensemble specializing in early and contemporary choral music, and has conducted ensembles of professionals and volunteers throughout New York City. His recordings on labels such as Naxos and Gothic Records have been praised by critics for their artistry and depth of musicianship.
A native of Keokuk, Iowa, Kyler studied at Drake University, the University of Iowa, the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York, and the New England Conservatory in Boston.
Lisa Nelson
Finance Specialist
Lisa supports the Cathedral’s financial administration as Finance Specialist. She and her husband Jeremiah enjoy life in downtown Des Moines, and her interests include equestrian trail riding and traveling.
Read Lisa’s biography
Lisa and Jeremiah moved to Iowa just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Her education and work background have included being a legal assistant and physical therapist assistant.
Their family includes a Norwegian Fjord horse, Stella, and two tuxedo cats, Ollie and Percy.
John Zickefoose
Executive Assistant to the Dean
John assists with communications, including the bulletin, newsletter, emails, and phone calls. He is passionate about bringing light and laughter into people’s lives.
Read John Z.’s biography
Originally from Waterloo, John studied Theatre and English at the University of Northern Iowa. He worked in New York City and developed a one-man cabaret show before returning to Iowa in 2001. He joined St. Paul’s in 2009 and has performed with local theatre companies.
Nanette Johnson
Outreach Coordinator
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Nanette serves part-time as Outreach Coordinator at St. Paul’s and as Client Support Specialist at the Connection Café. She became an Episcopalian when she joined St. Paul’s in 1994 and enjoys participating in diocesan life.
Read Nanette’s biography
Nanette’s experience includes church communications, theatre and video production, and supervising adult educational and professional assessments. She holds degrees from Grand View University and Bethel University and has pursued additional training in spiritual direction, technical writing, and video production.
A Milwaukee native who has also lived in the Twin Cities, Nanette now lives in a century-old house in the Des Moines metro with two rescue cats named for St. Francis and St. Julian. She enjoys EpiscoPals weekends and representing St. Paul’s at diocesan conventions.
We’re glad to hear from you.
Have a question about St. Paul’s or unsure whom to contact? Send us an inquiry and we’ll help connect you with the right person.