The Very Rev. Troy Preston

The Very Rev. Troy Preston serves as Rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Corning, New York, and Dean of the South Convocation in the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester. A native of Addison, New York, he began attending Church of the Redeemer as a teenager, where he was baptized, confirmed, and ordained to the transitional diaconate. He served there in various lay leadership roles including Warden, Diocesan Delegate, and Sunday School Teacher. In 2016, he was ordained to the priesthood at Christ Episcopal Church, where he now serves.

Before entering ordained ministry, Troy spent 17 years in Human Resource Management and Healthcare Administration, culminating in his role as Executive Director of Human Resources at Schuyler Hospital in Montour Falls, New York. He studied for the priesthood while working full-time, and has continued to deepen his formation—currently pursuing certification in Spiritual Direction through the Haden Institute in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Troy holds degrees from Mansfield University, Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School, and Bexley Seabury Seminary. He and his spouse of 20 years, Kevin Hillman, co-own Fran’s Landing, a restaurant and catering business in Painted Post, New York, and co-founded ACT-N-DO, a nonprofit offering food, gifts, and essential aid to families in the Addison Central School District and surrounding communities.

They are certified foster parents in Steuben County, proud parents of James, grandparents to Madison and William, and loving “dads” to their Turkish exchange son, Latif, a student at the University of Rochester.

Troy’s favorite pastimes include traveling—especially to Great Britain, Hawaii, and Bermuda—relaxing by the lake, hosting gatherings, reading, and spending time with family and friends. Of his upcoming time at Chautauqua, he shares: “It will be an honor and a privilege to serve at Chautauqua Institution in whatever way God is calling.”