Brendan Barnicle

About Brendan:

The Very Rev'd Dr. Brendan J. Barnicle was named the fourth Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon, in 2026. Previously, he served as Rector of St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Wilsonville, Oregon, and Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Portland, where his ministry was heavily focused on serving the unhoused.

Prior to ordination, Brendan spent 20 years working in investment banking, corporate law, and financial management. For most of that time, he was managing director, leading equity research of the software industry at a major investment bank. In earlier roles, he advised on mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and private financings both as an investment banker and as a lawyer.

He has combined his financial background with his ministry in academic work focused on faith and finance. He published Financial Anxiety in 2021, Talking Dollars & Sense: Leading Theological Discussions on Money in 2022, and in 2026, he published Doing Well by Doing Good: The Missional Benefits of Church-Based Economic Enterprises. He has served on the Church Pension Fund Board of Trustees since 2022. He also serves on the board of the Association of Episcopal Deacons and Auburn Theological Seminary.

He received a PhD in Practical Theology at Claremont School of Theology, a DMin from Bexley Seabury, an MDiv from Church Divinity School of the Pacific, a ThM at the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University, a JD from the University of Washington, and a BA from Harvard University.

Brendan has three grown children and lives in Northwest Portland with his wife Spitzi and their dog George.

Arrival at Trinty:

Brendan and his family arrived at Trinity in 2012. Brendan was so inspired by the lay and clergy leaders at Trinity that it prompted him to discern a call to the priesthood.

Fun fact:

Brendan is an avid CrossFitter. He can be found most mornings at 7 am CrossFit class at VC CrossFit on 18th and Lovejoy.