Deacon Howard Shannon was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, and grew up in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He attended the University of Georgia in Athens, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1968. He came to Goleta, California in 1971 and was ordained to the diaconate in February of 1987.

In addition to his service as deacon, he is actively involved in the education of our youth; is President of Project Mexico and St. Innocents Orphanage; is chairman of the Building Committee for our new temple complex, as well as the Fundraising Committee which supports that project; and works closely with Mother Victoria in the design and building of St. Barbara Monastery in Santa Paula, CA.

Fr. Deacon Howard is married to our Decorating Coordinator, Gail Shannon (who is also a Wedding Co-coordinator), and is the father of five grown children and grandfather of five, with two more on the way! He serves communities in five states through real estate investment and management, and is a partner in America West Management. His hobbies include golf, tennis, and hiking.