Gortner comes to VTS from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP) where he has served as assistant professor of Pastoral Theology since 2004 and as director of the Center for Anglican Learning and Leadership since 2005. In addition to teaching courses on pastoral theology, youth ministry/leadership, and human development, Gortner directed and developed CDSP's continuing education program for clergy and religious leadership that includes online education. Concurrent with his work at CDSP, Gortner co-convened the Graduate Theological Union's (GTU) area in Psychology and Religion, working with students and developing curricula in the M.A. and Ph.D. programs.

As director of Virginia Seminary's Doctor of Ministry Program, Gortner will have oversight of the two D.Min. degrees: Ministry Development, which focuses on increased excellence in ministerial leadership in congregations, and educational leadership which focuses on leadership in school ministries. The case study seminar has been central to the program since it began in the 1970s.

"Dr. Gortner is a gifted scholar with a passion for theological education," said the Very Rev. Ian Markham, dean and president of VTS, "and we are delighted about his appointment. The D.Min. program is vitally important to the seminary and I am confident that David can continue to develop and enhance the program."

A prolific writer, Gortner's books include Transforming Evangelism (Church Publishing, 2008) and the forthcoming, Around the Table: Exploring Episcopal Identity (due for release in fall 2008). He is currently writing a book on young adult ministry and continues to publish articles on clergy leadership with his colleague John Dreibelbis, from their five-year study of Episcopal priests.

Gortner holds a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Chicago, Illinois; an M.Div. from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois; an M.A. in psychology from Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and a B.A. in psychology from Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.

Active in parish life, Gortner serves as assisting parish priest at St. Paul's in San Rafael, California and previously served at St. Mark's in Berkeley, California and at St. Mark's in Evanston, Illinois. He has worked in ordained and lay leadership positions in parishes of the dioceses of Chicago, North Carolina, and California. On the diocesan level, Gortner is a member of the Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Commission, the Clergy Wellness Commission, and the Multicultural Task Force.

Founded in 1823, VTS is the largest of the 11 seminaries affiliated with the Episcopal Church. The school prepares men and women for service in the Church worldwide, both as ordained and lay ministers, and offers a number of professional degree programs and diplomas. Currently, the Seminary represents more than 42 different dioceses and five different countries, for service in the Church.