leadership structure

Soto Zen North America is governed by a board of directors, guiding kyoshi, and denominational council.  These three will establish committees as required by the bylaws and as needed to fulfill the aims of the denomination.
The board of directors makes decisions and facilitates implementation concerning the day-to-day operations of the denomination.  Directors are elected by the full membership and any Soto Zen N. A. member may serve.  Officers are chosen by the board from among the directors.

Board of Directors

Koun Franz (President)
Resident Teacher,
Thousand Harbors Zen
Halifax, Nova Scotia
lineage of Kosoku Honda 

Hoko Karnegis  (Vice President)
Senior Dharma Teacher,
​Sanshin Zen Community
Bloomington, IN
lineage of Shohaku Okumura

Kotoku Crivello (Treasurer) 
Abbot, Zen Center of Pittsburgh
lineage of Gengo Akiba

​Kenzan Seidenberg (Secretary)
Abbot, Shao Shan Temple
East Calais, VT
lineage of Taihaku Priest

Gyokei Yokoyama
Abbot, Sozenji. Montebello, CA
lineage of Ryotetsu Senjo
The guiding kyoshi is the overall leader and the internal and external face of the denomination, working closely with the denominational council to support and guide the organization in accordance with its mission and goals.  The guiding kyoshi is selected by the denominational council from candidates put forward by the Soto Zen N. A. members who make up the Guiding Kyoshi Nomination Committee.  They serve a five year term with a possible two year extension at the discretion of the denominational council.  In addition to other duties, the guiding kyoshi holds a seat on both the board of directors and the denominational council.
The denominational council provides overall guidance and leadership to the organization with the aim of fulfilling its stated mission.  In this role, it considers and makes decisions concerning the broad, long-term goals and interests of the association such as priest formation, regulations, and the selection of the guiding kyoshi.  The council is elected by membership from among senior priests.  There is a seat on the council for the guiding kyoshi and for the director of the North American office of Sotoshu. ​

Soto Zen North America Org Chart

Click image for larger view.