The Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Jay Gibson as our new Vice President. As we welcome Jay, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Vice President, Rev. Ben Takagi, for his dedication to the Foundation over the last three and a half years. Ben will remain in the Bay Area and continue his work at the Shinnyo-en USA Head Temple.
Jay was raised in Northeast Texas, and became a member of Shinnyo-en while working in Arizona with a scenic, lighting and audio company. Jay brings a unique perspective to our work with years of experience in production of stage shows, working with artists such as Chicago, Fleetwood Mac and Jackson Browne. Since 2001, Jay has been serving as a Shinnyo-en spiritual teacher and guide. He became an ordained Dharma teacher in 2007, and currently serves as Temple Manager of the Shinnyo-en LA Temple in Orange County, California. Jay is no stranger to the Foundation, having served on our Board of Directors from 2004-2007. In response to his appointment, Jay said, “I am excited for the opportunity to have a more active role in the work of the Foundation. It has grown to include many partners and I look forward to being a part of how they’re working toward goals similar to those of Shinnyo-en Buddhism, expanding the circle of compassion and harmony through friendships and understanding.”
Jay has been a strong ally in our work, promoting Family Service Events in Southern California and Nevada, and presenting at the National Service-Learning Conference for the first time this year. He will continue in his role as Temple Manager while assuming responsibilities at the Foundation and we look forward to working closely with him.