Executive Director

Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts, a cradle Episcopalian, seamlessly blends ministry and improv comedy to create transformative experiences that inspire and empower. With a dedication to fostering spiritual growth and advocating for social justice, they bring empathy, compassion, and joy to their work.

Jess, a vocational deacon, is a product of diocesan youth ministry from the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, holding a B.A. in Acting from Columbia in Chicago and an M.Ed. from Moreland University (Washington, DC).

As the Executive Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, Jess draws upon 20 years of experience in camp and hospitality ministry to build up inclusive, enriching environments. Their dedication to pastoral care, community advocacy, and bridge-building creates spaces where everyone feels welcomed and affirmed. 

As a speaker and facilitator, Jess is renowned as a catalyst for positive transformation. They have pioneered a unique approach to social impact by bridging spirituality and comedy, using improv to break down barriers, spark creativity, and inspire empathy and trust. With authenticity and connection, they empower individuals and communities to create a more vibrant and equitable world.

Jess resides in Chicago alongside their wife, Rebecca, and their two daughters. They serve as deacon at Church of Our Saviour in Lincoln Park. Jess enjoys being creative either performing improv with the group Part Dog, teaching at Second City, or making film shorts with Urban Pebble Productions.

Operations Administration

Samantha Clare (she/her) is a southern transplant living in living in Hattiesburg, MS with her poet husband and their 4, 3, and 15 year old kids. She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area attending programs at The Bishop’s Ranch and St. Dorothy’s Rest. Samantha has worked in the Episcopal Church in a variety of contexts for her entire professional career including as a camp counselor and program staff. She is currently a student at Bexley Seabury studying with the hopes of having a fruitful vocation in resource development for the Episcopal church. She loves being outdoors, cooking, spending time in her garden, and pretends to like running. Samantha is excited to join the ECCC community to support your vital ministry.

Event Coordinator

Shelby (she/her) is excited to be joining the team/family of ECCC. She received her degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches, LA. 

Shelby now lives in Memphis, TN where she is the Director of Operations at St. Columba Camp and Retreat Center wither her significant other, William, and dogs, Freya and Pippin. 

She is thankful to be given this amazing opportunity to give back to the community that finally feels this is where she is meant to be.

Communications and Member Support

Bekah (she/her) believes her life to be an example of God’s humor and grace. Equipped with an ever-present laugh and a lot of opinions, she is currently living that mid-20s stereotype of cobbling together a number of jobs in the pursuit of living out her passions (and also having health insurance). On top of her job at ECCC, she serves at St. Francis House Episcopal Student Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, as both the Office Coordinator and the House Fellow for Camp Ministries and at EpiscoWisco Camp as a Session Director. 

Her favorite aspect of her ministry are the opportunities she gets to encourage others to discover new parts of themselves and to walk with them as they explore and make their faith their own.