The Rev. Jeannette DeFriest, D.Min., has been engaged in creating, communicating, and interpreting experience and meaning throughout most of her professional career.

DeFriest is a native Californian who did her undergraduate work in architecture and design at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.   She worked in architecture firms in Southern California and Massachusetts. In Boston she was a member of a national exhibit design firm where she expanded her work in interpretive design and narrative in relation to science and history topics.

DeFriest received her Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. and was ordained in the Episcopal Church in 1990. She received her Doctor of Ministry degree in Congregational Development from Seabury Institute, in June 2004. 

Defriest's management experience includes being Priest in-Charge of a mission church in Chester, NJ. The Church of the Messiah had just completed a highly controversial and expensive building project. Jeannette worked with the congregation of Messiah and helped them pay off their $1.6 million mortgage, and was later called to be Rector of the Parish. Presently she serves as spiritual leader of St. Luke's Episcopal church in Evanston, IL.

In addition to her professional pursuits, she has been active in a variety of philanthropic efforts. She taught blind people to sail on Lake Champlain, worked with women's professional groups through United Way, and founded a 501(c)3 organization to help people deal with the issues of Aging.