My name is Walter, but I go by Walt. I am a retired actuary with thirty-two years of experience at the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI). After retiring, I became a part-time consulting health actuary for INS Consultants, Inc. in Pennsylvania, working approximately thirty to forty hours per month.

During my time at the NCDOI, I served on various committees, notably as a representative for Actuarial Services on the Preventive Services Benefits Advisory Committee. This committee aimed to develop a minimum set of benefits for children in North Carolina under Governor James Hunt’s administration.

I also led the Small Employer exploration Committee, where I collaborated with other NCDOI members and industry representatives. Together, we developed recommendations to expand our state’s rate bands, allowing the insurance industry to better cover additional small employer groups. Additionally, I worked closely with our Legal and Legislative Division to develop statutes and administrative codes related to health insurance. I provided actuarial services to various divisions within the NCDOI and to other state departments as well.

I was baptized at St. Paul Episcopal Parish in Washington, D.C., where I served as an acolyte, crucifer, thurifer, and Master of Ceremonies (MC). I was awarded the Parish’s honor medal for my consistent service. At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, North Carolina, I was reaffirmed by The Rt. Reverend Michael B. Curry, then Bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina, on May 4, 2011. My wife, Donna, and my son, Paul, were also confirmed on the same date. In my involvement at St. Stephen’s, I have served as an usher, a vestry member, and the Stewardship chair. Currently, I am an usher and participate in the Men’s Bible class led by Father

Stephen early on Tuesday mornings. I have given back to the Durham community in various ways, such as volunteering at the Animal Protection Society of Durham and being an avid blood and platelet donor with the American Red Cross in Raleigh and Durham.

From September 1999 to June 2005, I was an Assistant Cub Scout Master for Pack 495 in Durham and then served as an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 495 from July 2005 to September 2011. Along with another Assistant Scout Master, I led a ten-day scouting trip to Northern Tier, a High Adventure Scouting Base in Minnesota, focusing on portaging and canoeing. It was a fantastic experience to see our scouts work as a team! I also served as the Troop’s Organization Representative.

I moved to Durham 11 years ago from Indianapolis where I raised my son and daughter. Church has always been a vital part of my life. I grew up in the Presbyterian church and my family was active in all church worship and activities. I joined St. Stephens two years ago and immediately embraced the liturgy and customs of the Episcopal church. I have sung in choirs all my life and am delighted to be part of St. Stephen’s choir community. I am excited to have this opportunity to serve our church as a member of the vestry, and I feel very complimented to have been asked.

Craig and I and our two children, Cameron and Elizabeth, joined St. Stephen's in 2008 and I have been a lifelong Episcopalian. Our spiritual journeys are important in our lives and I have served the church in multiple previous roles. I have been on the St. Stephen's Vestry twice before, serving as Clerk for the first three years, and as Junior Warden during our transition year during the pandemic with our interim priest.

In addition, I have been an active member on many committees and ministries over the years such as the choir, education, property, strategic planning, finance, seminarian review, Sunday School teaching, and reopening and hiring committees. I believe in St. Stephen's and am happy to give what I can to make this a spiritual home for all. 

My family and I have been members of St. Stephens since 2016. I was a vestry member from 2019 through 2021.  During my first term, I served on the Membership and Stewardship Committee and am currently a member of the Christian Education Committee. My education is in Psychology and Social Work, but 7 years ago I transitioned to teaching Preschool and Kindergarten which allowed me to also become a semi professional chauffeur to my two children, Scarlett and Henry who you may recognize from their time as acolytes. Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to serving and helping our church community to grow.