We are delighted to welcome to the Rotary of Avon Canton, our newest member, Doug Fisher. Doug comes to us from the Rotary of Millbrook, NY where he received a Paul Harris Fellow Citation from Rotary International. Doug is delighted to continue his love of Rotary and Service Above Self as a member of the Rotary of Avon-Canton. Doug was born and raised in Valley Stream, Long Island and is a graduate of St. John’s University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts. He earned a Master of Divinity at Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington, NY and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1980, later becoming a Doctor of Ministry from Episcopal Divinity School.
In 1984, Doug married Elizabeth Fisher and joined the Episcopal Church. He served as rector of Holy Innocents Church in Highland Falls, NY, chaplain at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and chair of the Standing Committee for the Diocese of New York. He became rector of Grace Church in Millbrook, NY, from 2000 to 2012, and was elected Bishop of Western Massachusetts on June 2, 2012.
Doug is known for his work with veterans, including his role in founding the Building Bridges Veterans Initiative of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, which addresses veteran social isolation, depression, and suicide ideation through community meals and support networks. Doug is an ardent advocate for gun safety legislation. His membership in Bishops United Against Gun Violence has led to direct engagement and public witness at Smith and Wesson, Corp. in Springfield. Under his leadership the Trustees moved diocesan assets away from fossil fuels. Bishop Fisher has authored resolutions related to gun violence that were passed by the General Convention of The Episcopal Church in 2018 and 2022.
Doug’s career spans over four decades in ministry, from Catholic priesthood to Episcopal leadership, marked by service to the military community, advocacy for social justice, and a focus on mercy, compassion, and hope in his diocese. He has been recognized for his pastoral care, leadership in mission, and commitment to serving those in need. Doug enjoys golfing, hiking, rooting for the NY Yankees and Knicks as well as extensive travel around the globe to Ghana, Canada, Europe, Taiwan, Alaska and Israel.
Doug and his wife, Elizabeth, also an ordained minister, are the parents of three children and grandparents of five, ages newborn to six. They are new residents of Avon, CT. In retirement Doug will be helping the Bishop of Connecticut with ministry to a number of churches.
Welcome Doug Fisher!
Service above Self
Canton, CT 06019
United States of America