Like many of our parishioners, Dave Vanneman had visited several other parishes before settling at St. Thomas’ nine years ago. He was attracted to St. Thomas’ community outreach mission and the intimate feel of the worship space. “This is where I felt most welcomed,” he says. Raised in the United Church of Christ, Dave was drawn into the Episcopal Church as a music student at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, and later as a paid chorister at Christ Episcopal Church.

“Over the next several years I sang professionally at other Episcopal churches: Old St. Paul’s, St. David’s Roland Park, and Mt. Calvary Church in Baltimore,” he explains. “Eventually, I was confirmed as an Episcopalian.”

Dave was born in Baltimore where most of his family still lives; his parents have been happily married more than 60 years! He has six siblings and is the proud uncle of 13 nieces and nephews. As a sales executive, Dave has worked in many industries including international shipping, telecommunications, insurance, financial services, medical consulting and information technology. Currently, he’s President and CEO of Health Claim Resources, LLC, a medical services company headquartered in Baltimore.

What people may not know about Dave is how active he is in the parish life of St. Thomas’. He is Co-Chair of the Pastoral Care Committee and serves on the Discernment Committee. Dave has been a Vestry member, served as Vestry Secretary, Building & Grounds Committee member, and Chair of the Hospitality Committee (now known as Parish Life).

On top of his busy work and church life, Dave is also active in the Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association. He lives in Alexandria, VA with his dog Lazlo and cat Hector.

Thanks, Dave, for all the ways you contribute to the health and vitality of the St. Thomas’ Parish family!