The Diocese of Colorado announced that Gray Center executive director, Grae Dickson, has been called to become the executive director of Cathedral Ridge, the conference center for the Diocese of Colorado.
Gray Center Board of Managers chairwoman, Jamie Murrell, said, “We are very thankful that Grae has served as executive director at the Gray Center, and we are going to miss the hard work and dedication that he provided for us over the years. We realize he has a wonderful opportunity in Colorado, and we wish him the best with his new position.”
Dickson has been the executive director of Gray Center since January, 2014. He followed Bill Horne who retired from the camp and conference center in 2013.
Dickson is a native of Jackson and had twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry prior to becoming executive director at Gray Center. His long-time involvement with Camp Bratton-Green and familiarity with the conference center as food and beverage director, gave Dickson a unique advantage in becoming the executive director.
Dickson’s last day of work will be April 21, 2018 and he will begin work in Colorado on April 30. Grae is married to Laura Gunn Dickson, and they have one son, Graeme, 11.
Please see a statement from Grae below.
A Letter from Grae Dickson
Over the past 11 years, it has been my honor to serve Gray Center and the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, especially the past four years as Executive Director. I feel the ministries we have been able to provide will help pave the way for the future of Gray Center and Camp Bratton-Green. With that said, I feel it is time for me to step aside and move in a different direction with my career. Effective April 21, 2018, I will be resigning as the Executive Director of the Duncan M. Gray Episcopal Camp and Conference Center.
When I first came to Bratton-Green in 1982, I had no idea how much this property would influence my life. I would like to thank the Diocese, my staff, my Gray Center family and everyone that has been supportive during my time at Gray Center. I am proud of the improvements we continue to make to the facility, the programs we are offering, and the relationships that we have formed for the future. I believe in the upcoming capital campaign and feel that Gray Center has some amazing days ahead. I am saddened by the milestones that I am going to miss, but blessed by the memories I will take with me.
As for my future, I have accepted the position as Executive Director at Cathedral Ridge for the Episcopal Church in Colorado, beginning April 30, 2018. I am passionate about camp and conference center ministry and am excited about this new opportunity. Cathedral Ridge is relatively new to the Episcopal Church in Colorado and I look forward to sharing my experience and helping to open new doors to ministry.
Finally, I would like to thank Laura, Graeme and all my family for always being there for me during this journey. They have been so positive during this process and I could not make this decision without their unconditional love and support. I ask for your thoughts and prayers to be with them as we transition to a new location, new schools, new friends and new experiences.
I wish nothing but the best for Gray Center and know that I will always be the biggest advocate for the work that we do here. After all, it’s home!
Much love and many blessings to you,
Grae Dickson
