Pastoral Institute names new CEO

Thomas Waynick, Fort Benning’s garrison chaplain, has been named chief executive officer of the Pastoral Institute in  Columbus.

Marie Moshell, chair of the institute’s board of trustees, made the announcement  Monday in a news release issued on behalf of the organization. 

“Tom’s unique experience in supervising counselors and working with clergy makes him an ideal match for the Pastoral Institute,” she said in the news release. “We are excited about his immense skill set and expertise shaping a very bright future for the Pastoral Institute.”

Waynick’s appointment is effective January 2016, according to the release. He’s the second person appointed to the position since Ron King announced his retirement after serving 26 years in the position.

Nancy Blaich, a former Texas executive, started the position in January, but resigned about five months later.

Prior to serving at Fort Benning, Waynick spent three years as the U.S. Army Pentagon chaplain, where he provided pastoral care and counseling to 25,000 people, according to the news release. He has also worked as the supervisor and clinical director of the U.S. Family Life Training Center Program at Ft. Benning. 

Waynick grew up in an Air Force family. He graduated from Concordia College with a bachelor’s degree in history,  and he holds a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, where he was ordained in 1982.

Waynick also holds a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Central Texas University and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Army War College. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Louisiana, a diplomate in the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, a diplomate in the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy, and a clinical member and approved supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Waynick is a published author and has presented at numerous professional conferences, according to the release. His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with four oak leaf clusters and the Army Achievement Medal.

“The Pastoral Institute is an opportunity to use all of my training and education in one setting,” he said in the news release. “It is a special place, and I am honored to be called to this work.”

This story was originally published September 21, 2015 at 2:16 PM with the headline "Pastoral Institute names new CEO."