Bishop-elect Poulson Reed has announced the appointment of The Very Rev. Eric Cooter as his Canon to the Ordinary of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, effective July 1, 2020.

Bishop-elect Reed adds, “I am delighted to welcome Eric and Terri to Oklahoma. Eric has tremendous experience both as a rector in two congregations and as a member of a diocesan staff, where his role involved many of the aspects that he will direct as Canon to the Ordinary. He also worked closely in that role with our own Canon Michael Durning, who has served so effectively as our current Canon to the Ordinary. Eric has a natural warmth, and a deep commitment to the Gospel that will be invaluable in our work together, as Bishop and Canon the Ordinary, to encourage and equip our churches and institutions for meaningful ministry.”

Prior to his appointment to our diocesan staff, Fr. Eric served as the Rector of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples, FL, and was the Dean of Naples Deanery, a member of Standing Committee, and previously served on Diocesan Council. Fr. Eric also served as a Deputy to the 2018 General Convention and was a member of the Evangelism and Church Planting Committee. He also has served as President of the Board for the Conference of Diocesan Executives.

Prior to service with St. Monica’s, Fr. Eric served on the Bishop’s staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida as “Canon for Ministry Development.” His roles included Diocesan Transitions Minister and staff resource for the ordination/discernment process. Prior to diocesan service, Cooter served as Rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Englewood, FL.

Fr. Eric graduated from East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and he received a Master of Divinity from the University of the South, Sewanee, where he served as Student Body President. Before ordination, Fr. Eric served as a Retail Executive with two major national retailers, and later founded and managed his own aviation business.

Fr. Eric also volunteers and serves as the Southeast Region Chaplain for the United States Air Force Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol), holds the rank of Major, and supervises the Chaplain Corps for the Southeastern United States. Fr. Eric has been flying airplanes since his first solo at age 16, and he holds both a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with additional ratings.

Fr. Eric is married to Terri Eros, whose career included retail buying, store management, and administration. They have an adult daughter Erica, who is the Associate Band Director at Baron Collier High School, Naples, FL. They also have two miniature dachshunds named Tyson and Oscar.