Clergy & Staff at St. Paul’s
Clergy
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 together 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.
Photo: Rachel Mummey
The Very Rev. Nicola Dance Chase
Dean of The Cathedral
Amma Nicola is the priest in charge of St. Paul’s. She is passionate about building active communities of faith that are “Grounded in Worship, Deepening in Faith, and Reaching Out in Love.” Email Amma Nicola
The Rev. Michael Monnot
Priest Associate
The Rev. Michael Monnot serves as an Associate Priest at St. Paul’s, having arrived at the Cathedral and in Des Moines late in 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. Email Fr Michael
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. Email Deacon John
The Rev. Jean Davis
Deacon
Deacon Jean was ordained to the vocational diaconate in April 2021. She is passionate about social justice issues, creating a welcoming community for immigrants and refugees, and healing prayer. Email Deacon Jean
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. Before joining St. Paul’s Cathedral, he held position in Manhattan at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin (Episcopal), St. Jean Baptiste (Upper Eastside) and St. Josephs 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.
Staff
Lisa Nelson
Finance Specialist
Lisa and her husband Jeremiah moved to Iowa right before COVID. We enjoy our lifestyle downtown. Her education and work background have included being a Legal Assistant and Physical Therapist Assistant. Interests include equestrian trail riding and traveling. 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 all things communication related: the bulletin, newsletter, emails, phone calls, etc. He is passionate about bringing light and laughter into people’s lives. Email John Z.