An advisory group that will work with our National Chaplain has been established. The Chaplain’s Council collaborates with our National Board of Directors, SigEp Headquarters staff, Fraternity volunteers and undergraduate members in creating a positive, supportive environment for people to develop and explore their own faith and wellbeing. The council members will work with chapter chaplains and, when called upon, assist Fraternity members and the broader SigEp community with navigating the emotional challenges associated with sudden life changes, grief or illness.

Rev. Dr. Brian Mercer, Louisiana State ’99, was appointed to serve as SigEp’s National Chaplain in 2025. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary and serves as the senior pastor of First Methodist Monroe. Mercer and his wife, Shelley, have three children.

Dr. Tyler Kinch, Grand Valley State ’15, is a physical therapist and specializes in helping athletes and active adults recover from pain. He previously served as mentor to the chaplain for the Michigan Beta chapter at Western Michigan. He is married to his wife, Heather, and has three children and also volunteered with Ohio Iota at the University of Toledo and Michigan Kappa at Grand Valley State.

Bishop Council Nedd II, Pennsylvania State Renaissance, is a state constable and chaplain for the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Constables. He serves as rector of St. Alban’s Anglican Church and holds a Ph.D. and a doctorate of canon law. Nedd serves as balanced man steward for SigEp’s Pennsylvania Eta chapter at Penn State.

Doug Reed, Texas-Austin ’82, held positions as a chapter officer and served as a student member of SigEp’s National Board of Directors. For the majority of his professional career, Reed worked in investment management with Fidelity Investments and J.P. Morgan. In 2022, he founded Beacon of Light Mental Health, a mental health ministry in Plano, Texas. Reed has been married to his wife, Jill, for 42 years and has two children and six grandchildren.

As an undergraduate, Phil Smith, UNC-Wilmington ’94, served two terms as chaplain for North Carolina Rho. He holds a master of divinity from Mercer University and worked with youth and college students in the areas of spirituality and faith formation for 20 years before opening a cafe adjacent to the campus of Elon University. A long-time SigEp volunteer, he currently serves as district governor for District 11.