Rev. Dr. Trace Haythorn

Trace Haythorn lives in Decatur, Georgia, with his wife, a PC(USA) pastor. They have two adult children: a son who serves on the staff of a U.S. Senator, and a daughter with Down syndrome who serves as an aide in the Georgia State Senate. As a family, they enjoy community life, travel, and the power of a good metaphor. 

Trace brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience to the church and faith-based nonprofit sectors. He served nearly a decade as Executive Director and CEO of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE). His previous leadership roles include positions with The Fund for Theological Education, The Frazier Center, and Hastings College. Currently, he works with Synergos and continues to support the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab and the George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health. 

As an ordained minister and ICF Master Certified Coach, Trace founded Haythorn Coaching & Consulting. He also serves as a coach with Fruehling Coaching and Facilitation and is a Principal Consultant with Tecker International. Much of his work focuses on congregations and their leaders. 

He partners with pastors, church boards, and faith-based organizations to navigate:

• Strategic planning 
• Leadership transitions 
• Organizational redesign 
• Governance challenges 

He utilizes somatic and presence-based approaches in both individual and group coaching. These methods help leaders sustain themselves, deepen self-awareness, and discern their calling. At the heart of his work is a deep belief in the church’s capacity to heal, transform lives, and fully embody its mission.