01/02/2026
Karen “Shine” Gleeson
After many years of faithful and impactful service, we share with gratitude that Karen Gleeson’s time on the Episcopal Diocese of Utah staff is coming to a close due to staff restructuring. This transition brings great sadness, as Karen has been a vital member of the diocesan staff whose ministry, leadership, and joy have shaped the life of our diocese in enduring ways.
Karen’s service to the Diocese began through her work with the St. James youth group and soon expanded into diocesan leadership when she answered a call to Camp Tuttle. There, she served as Spiritual Director and Camp Tuttle Liaison and Co-Director, roles in which she provided consistent pastoral leadership, programmatic guidance, and essential support to camp staff, clergy, and diocesan leadership alike. For the past 20 years, Karen was a steady and trusted leader at Camp Tuttle, walking alongside countless campers, counselors, clergy, and staff while shaping the spiritual and communal life of the camp.
Throughout her tenure, Karen cultivated deep and lasting relationships with clergy and staff, offering wisdom, institutional knowledge, and an unmatched understanding of Camp Tuttle’s facilities, rhythms, and operations. Her leadership and attention to both people and place were integral to the smooth functioning of the camp, and her presence provided continuity, care, and stability across generations of ministry.
In recent years, Karen expanded her focus to a multi-generational, diocesan-wide programmatic role, serving as Diocesan Youth Director and leading initiatives that fostered connection across age groups. The LIFT (Intergenerational) gatherings are a testament to this work; for many, these events created deep connections and genuine joy. While the staff support structure for this position is ending, we hope this ministry will continue to grow through our Evangelism Vitality efforts.
We give thanks for Karen’s extraordinary dedication, thoughtful leadership, and deep care for this community. Her impact on the Diocese of Utah, Camp Tuttle, and the lives of so many will continue long after her staff role concludes. She will be greatly missed, and we hold her with profound gratitude and blessings for all that comes next.
