Diocese of Northwest Texas Nominated Four Bishop Candidates
The leadership transition in Texas impacts the organization’s governance and strategy for regional operations.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Northwest Texas has announced four candidates for the role of bishop. This selection process initiates the final transition stage to replace current Bishop Scott Mayer, who announced his retirement plans in October 2025.
Why it matters
Selecting new leadership is a critical operational shift for non-profit organizations that rely on clear succession planning to maintain governance stability. The outcome will define the diocese's strategic direction, budgetary priorities, and administrative management in Texas.
The Standing Committee has named four candidates for the position, with a 10-day window now open for the submission of additional nominees via petition. The successful candidate will become the sixth bishop to oversee the diocese following the incumbent’s retirement.
The players
Scott Mayer
The current bishop of the Diocese of Northwest Texas who announced his retirement in October 2025.
Amy Peden Haynie
A bishop nominee currently based in Midland, Texas.
Christopher Blake Thomas
A bishop nominee currently based in Dallas, Texas.
Elizabeth Anne Randall
A bishop nominee serving within an Oklahoma diocese.
Andrew R. Wright
A bishop nominee serving within a diocese in Newark, New Jersey.
The details
The search process for the new bishop includes meet-and-greet events scheduled for November to introduce candidates to stakeholders across the diocese. An election is slated for January 2027, followed by the formal retirement of Bishop Scott Mayer and the consecration of his successor in June 2027.
Timeline
October 2025: Bishop Scott Mayer announced his intention to retire.
October 6, 2026: The diocese announced the four bishop nominees.
November 2026: Meet-and-greet events with the candidates occur.
January 2027: The election for the bishop is scheduled to take place.
June 2027: Bishop Scott Mayer will step down and the successor will be consecrated.
Market Landscape
This selection process follows the timeline set by the 2025 retirement announcement of Bishop Scott Mayer. The current phase represents the standard governance procedure for institutional leadership continuity within the diocese.
Stakeholders should monitor the outcomes of the November meet-and-greet events to evaluate how candidate priorities align with the organization's regional mission. Members and partners should note the 10-day petition window if they wish to propose additional leadership candidates.
The takeaway
Effective leadership succession depends on transparent communication and rigorous adherence to governance timelines. Organizations should track the official election results in January 2027 to understand how new leadership will influence long-term administrative strategies.
Further reading
For additional insights on leadership transitions and organizational governance, visit our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Episcopal News Service.
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