President
Bradford C. Newton
In August of 2021, Pastor Newton took on the role of president of the Pacific Union Conference, which requires leadership of all church activities in a vast and diverse five-state region. Newton’s long history in church leadership in the Pacific Union makes him particularly suited to this role.
For more than 25 years, he has served in various capacities in the union: pastor in the Southern California Conference, president for the Nevada-Utah Conference, associate director of public affairs and religious liberty for the Pacific Union, and most recently as executive secretary and ministerial director for the Pacific Union—a role he held for 13 years.
While he is a native Californian, having grown up in Arcadia, Newton attended college and graduate school at Andrews University in Michigan, earning bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in theology and ministry. He spent the first decade of his service as a pastor and conference leader in Illinois.
Newton sees the role of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as being potentially transformational during what he calls a “monumental time in Earth’s history.” “The way the Lord has led us in the past, and the promise of the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, gives us confidence for the important work that lies before us.”
He is married to Jennifer (née Christian), a certified faith-based meeting planner and consultant; they have two adult children and two granddaughters.
Executive Secretary
Sandra E. Roberts
Sandra Roberts currently serves as the executive secretary of the Pacific Union Conference. With this position, she also serves as the chair of the Board of Trustees for Pacific Union College and Ministerial Director for the Pacific Union.
She has an extensive history of service in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her various roles have included conference president, pastor, religion teacher, campus chaplain, associate youth director and camp director.
She has degrees from Loma Linda University, (B.S.), Andrews University (M.A.), and Claremont School of Theology (D.Min.)
An avid world traveler, she has visited more than 90 countries to date and loves exploring the back roads. She is passionate about excellence in ministry and inviting others into the adventure of following Jesus wherever it leads.
Treasurer
Stephen Mayer
Mr. Mayer has served as treasurer of the Pacific Union Conference since 2019, a role that emphasizes the responsible allocation of resources within the territory as part of the leadership team.
Mayer has extensive experience in accounting and financial management. He spent three years at Pacific Union College as a staff accountant and six years outside the church in medical management. Returning to church work, Mayer spent the last 17 years at the Pacific Union Conference as senior accountant, assistant treasurer, associate treasurer, and undertreasurer before being elected treasurer.
He also serves in a volunteer capacity as treasurer of his local congregation, Camarillo Seventh-day Adventist Church, as academy finance chair, and until 2021 as supervisory committee chair for California Adventist Federal Credit Union.
A native of California, Mayer is a graduate of Rio Lindo Academy and Pacific Union College, where he studied business administration with triple emphases in accounting, marketing, and management. He also received training from Andrews University in Michigan and is certified in Planned Giving and Trust Services from the North American Division.
Mayer is married to Michelle, and they have three children.
Executive Vice President
Leon B. Brown, Sr.
Pastor Brown was elected vice president of the Pacific Union Conference in August 2021, a role that requires close cooperation with the president as a key leader in the territory. Brown brings vast and varied experience to this role, having previously served within the Pacific Union as president of the Nevada-Utah Conference and pastor of several California congregations, as well as coordinator of inner-city ministries, prison ministries, men’s ministries, and African American ministries.
His business background complements his heart for ministry; Brown has not only worked as an accountant and payroll administrator, he has also taught accounting, math, tax, and business at the college level and served as dean of instruction at Heald College School of Business in Stockton, California.
He has undergraduate degrees in business and religion from Oakwood University in Alabama, master’s degrees in business administration and divinity from Andrews University in Michigan, and a Doctor of Ministry from the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, California. Brown is passionate about community and sharing Jesus with everyone he meets. He has been married to Julie F. Brown for 33 years, and they have two adult sons, Leon II and Lawrence.
Vice President for Asian Pacific Ministries
VicLouis Arreola III
Pastor Arreola has been coordinator of Asian-Pacific Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference since 2011, and he now serves in the newly created role of vice president. He also serves as coordinator of Multi-Ethnic Ministries for the North American Division (NAD).
He oversees the 33 Asian-Pacific language groups in North America, with a combined membership of more than 100,000 people.
Arreola is president of Pacific Institute of Christian Ministry, an equipping school for lay pastors and church leaders in the NAD. Arreola has a rich background as a church planter, international evangelist, senior pastor, departmental director, radio and television speaker, pastoral counselor, and adjunct professor.
He has a bachelor’s degree in theology from Mountain View College in the Philippines, a master’s degree in religion and health from the Adventist University of the Philippines, a master’s degree in theology from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, and doctoral degrees from La Salle University and the Evangelical Seminary. He was recently conferred with an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Dallas Theological Seminary for notable empowering leadership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Arreola is passionate about empowering local communities and congregations to expand, spreading the love of Jesus in ways that are culturally relevant.
He is married to Dr. Imelda Arreola, a preventive health specialist, and they have one son, VicLouis Arreola V, a physician. All three members of the family speak for and operate Our Great Hope Today Ministries, heard in 65 countries.
Vice President for Black Ministries
Virgil S. Childs
Elder Childs is vice president, director, and liaison for 65 Black churches throughout the Pacific Union. Childs became the eighth departmental director in 2016. From 1987 to 2016, his tenure in the Northern California Conference included roles as assistant pastor and senior pastor and as director of African American ministries, inner-city ministries, men’s ministries, and prison ministries.
Childs is an active member of the Oakland Faith Advisory Council. He has been the recipient of several community awards, including Pastor of the Year presented by One Thousand Mothers Against Violence, an organization based in Oakland, Calif. He has conducted numerous prophecy seminars, evangelistic meetings, and conflict resolution workshops. With degrees in theology and higher education administration from Oakwood College and Andrews University, respectively, Childs is currently completing doctoral degrees in biblical conflict resolution and social justice.
He is married to Patricia Woods-Childs and has three adult children and four grandchildren, who help to keep his life balanced.
Vice President Youth Ministry
Randy Hill
Pastor Randy Hill joined the leadership team in the Pacific Union in August of 2023. His years of experience, passion, and leadership in youth ministry made him a great fit for the role. While most of his work experience has been in the North Pacific Union, Randy has worked in the Pacific Union serving the Simi Valley and Beaumont churches as well as working at Camp Cedar Falls while in college. In addition, he is a proud graduate of Loma Linda Academy. He received his Master of Pastoral Ministry degree from Andrews University while serving in the Oregon Conference, where he served as a youth pastor, campus chaplain, senior pastor, associate youth director, and assistant to the president for administration. Randy enjoys working with teams to create opportunities for young people to live out their faith and grow in their walk with our gracious God. When he has the opportunity to work directly with young people, you can count on the fact that a good story or a game of some sort will be in the making. Randy and Gayle have been married for 37 years and have two sons, Christopher and Joshua. Christopher brought daughter-in-law Chloe into the family, and they couldn’t be happier with the addition.
Vice President for Hispanic Ministries
Alberto Ingleton
Alberto Ingleton has been director of Hispanic Ministries of Pacific Union Conference since 2018, and he now serves in the newly created role of vice president.
Ingleton became director of Hispanic Ministries of Pacific Union Conference after serving as vice president for Hispanic Ministries for Southeastern California Conference. Before assuming administrative responsibilities in 2007, Ingleton served as the senior pastor of La Sierra Spanish church and was a pastor at other congregations in Southeastern California Conference. Before coming to Southeastern California Conference, Ingleton served in the publishing department for Central California Conference.
Ingleton holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montemorelos University, as well as a Master of Pastoral Ministry degree and Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University.
Alberto is married to Elizabeth Roman Ingleton, who is a nurse at the VA Hospital in Long Beach.
Undertreasurer
Tim Stubbert
Tim has served as Undertreasurer at the Pacific Union Conference since May 2019.
Previously, starting in 2006, he worked at the Pacific Union Conference in the Treasury Department. He holds undergraduate degrees in healthcare management and accounting and finance, as well as his Executive Juris Doctorate.
Stubbert is a native of California. He is married to Kimberly Stubbert, who serves as the administrative assistant to the director of education for Pacific Union Conference. Tim and Kim have two children, Rachel and Kaitlyn.
Tim enjoys architecture, mountain biking, and hiking in the beautiful outdoors that our God has created.
Vice President of Education
Berit von Pohle
Berit von Pohle has served as director of education at the Pacific Union Conference since June 2011.
She previously worked as a teacher and academy principal in the Southeastern California Conference, an academy principal in the Oregon Conference, and superintendent in Northern California Conference.
She has a B.S. from Loma Linda University–La Sierra in business education, an M.A. in counseling and guidance from Loma Linda University–Riverside, an Ed.S. in educational administration from La Sierra University, and an Ed.D. in educational administration from La Sierra University.
Von Pohle is a native of Denmark. She has one daughter, who is a teacher in the Southeastern California Conference, a son-in-law, and two granddaughters.
Director
James H. Brown CSPG, MBA
In addition to being the Pacific Union Conference Trust Services director, Jim is the president of Western Adventist Foundation (WAF).
He has a long history in financial management, with his past positions including vice president of WAF, associate manager of the Loma Linda University Foundation, treasurer-controller/associate director of the Northern California Association of Seventh-day Adventists, and associate controller for the Central California Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists.
He notes that “the measure of our success is donor and client satisfaction. We work relentlessly for those who put their trust in us.”
Director
Bill Krick
Bill Krick has served as director of Literature Ministries for the Pacific Union Conference since 2018.
Krick previously worked for 19 years as the director of Literature Ministries for the Central California Conference, the cradle of California Youth Rush, GLOW, and CROSS Training. From 1997-1998 he served as the student program director for Pacific Press Publishing. Every summer since 1990 he has dedicated to soul-winning work, and he has published articles in Ministry Magazine, Adventist World, and Adventist Review.
Krick grew up in various parts of the country, notably Virginia and Oregon. He enjoys bird watching and spending time with his wife, Heather, and two daughters, Savannah and Heidi.
Director, Adventist Christian Fellowship
Ron Pickell
Ron Pickell has spent most of his ministry experience working with students on public college campuses first at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN and currently at the University of California, Berkeley both as the pastor of LIFE Adventist church of Berkeley and chaplain of the BACF Adventist campus ministry group at UC Berkeley. Since 2005 Ron has been serving in the Youth Department as the North American Division Volunteer Coordinator of Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF/NAD). ACF/NAD is the official NAD organization for Adventist ministry non-Adventist college and university campuses.
In 2014 Ron earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Andrews University Theological Seminary in Discipleship & Biblical Spirituality. His dissertation was on Christian Faith Development in College Students on non-Adventist College and University Campuses. Ron has coauthored the “Word on Campus: A Guide To Public College Ministry”, Quick Start Guide For Starting Public Campus Ministry”. Ron is also the author of “The Journey Bible Study: Following Jesus On Campus”. He has also published many papers and articles on college ministry and helped established campus ministry groups on college and university campuses across North America.
In 2015 Ron was asked to serve as the Pacific Union Conference Volunteer Coordinator for public campus ministry and continues to serve in this position to this day.
Ron is married to Carolyn Pickell with three adult children.
Director
Alan J. Reinach Esq.
Alan J. Reinach, Esq., has been executive director of the Church State Council, the religious liberty educational and advocacy arm of the Pacific Union Conference, since 1994. He is a member of both the New York and California state bar associations. His legal practice emphasizes First Amendment religious freedom cases and religious accommodation cases under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as well as related state civil rights laws. Reinach previously practiced law in White Plains, New York, and in New York City.
He has a degree in history from State University of New York at New Paltz and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Law. Reinach is also an Adventist minister who speaks regularly on religious freedom topics and is the host of a nationally syndicated weekly radio broadcast, “Freedom’s Ring,” devoted to religious liberty issues. He is the principal author and editor of Politics & Prophecy: The Battle for Religious Liberty and the Authentic Gospel.
Director for Community Services
Charlene Sargent
Charlene Sargent has served as director for Community Services at the Pacific Union Conference since 2004.
She previously worked as a cardiovascular technologist at Adventist Health St. Helena and Adventist Health Bakersfield.
Although Charlene has lived all of her life in California, she has served as a subject matter expert for disaster response, recovery, and planning in 40 U.S. states and territories and Canada.
She has two married sons and five grandchildren.
Director - Communication & Community Engagement
Ray Tetz
Ray Tetz has served as director of Communication and Community Engagement for the Pacific Union Conference since 2015. Tetz has a long history in Adventist communication, and he served as vice president for strategic communication and corporate development at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) from 1986 to 1995. For two decades, he successfully operated a consulting and media production company that served dozens of Adventist organizations and ministries in the North American Division and the General Conference.
He has worked with the Pacific Union Conference as a media consultant since early 2012. Tetz began his ministry in the Southern California Conference, initially serving as a pastor, Bible teacher, and youth director.
Tetz is married to RosAnne, a writer and editor, and they have two adult children, Andrew and Catherine.
Pacific Union Health Ministry
Lorayne Barton, MD, MPH
Lorayne Barton Bio: 2022 Dr. Lorayne Barton, MD, MPH is the current Health Ministry Directory for the Pacific Union and is a physician at the Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center and an adjunct professor in the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University. She received undergraduate training at La Sierra University, MD training at the University of California, Irvine, CA, internship at Glendale Adventist Medical Center, and residency and fellowship at the LAC + USC Hospital in Pediatrics & Neonatology where she is currently on the faculty. She received a Master’s Degree in Public Health in the fields of Health Administration, Health Promotion, and Maternal-Child health from Loma Linda University where later she also completed a Preventive Medicine Residency. Dr. Barton has a deep interest in Prevention and Reversing of Chronic Health Problems and is interested in the Seventh-day Adventist Health message from both a practical and spiritual standpoint. She believes everyone benefits from understanding the basic principles of healthy living and that the medical professionals and pastors should work closely together to teach health principles to their members and the public. She has given talks and training for numerous organization and church groups on healthful living, including Reversing Diabetes and Depression Seminars She belongs to the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, (Adventist Medica Evangelism Network (AMEN) and the Councilors of Loma Linda University. Dr. Barton is an active member of the Vallejo Drive SDA church in Glendale, CA a past President of the Pacific Union ASI chapter (Adventist-laymen Services & Industries) and a board member of Life & Health Network an online ministry of AMEN (Adventist Medical Evangelism Network). Her passion is Sharing Christ with others by using her talents in health evangelism.
Children's Ministry
Manny Cruz
Manny Cruz has been involved in Children's Ministry for 27 years. The first 20 years he was behind the scenes assisting his wife Melanie with all her Children's Ministry events, seminars and workshops. He was the guy unloading all the boxes and materials for all the conventions and training events. He was there early to set up and was one of the last to leave after cleaning up. He started at the bottom...LOL. After 20 years being Melanie's assistant, he was asked to serve as Children's Ministry Director for the Arizona Conference. In 2021he was asked to serve as the Volunteer Children's Ministry Coordinator for the Pacific Union Conference. Manny is married, has 4 daughters and has a taco addiction.
Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) Pacific Union
Patti Guthrie
Patti Guthrie, MPH, is a community health educator and volunteer Bible worker.
Associate Director Elementary Education
Lynal Ingham
Lynal Ingham is new to the Pacific Union Conference team joining in July, 2022.
She previously worked as an elementary teacher, home school facilitator, associate professor at Pacific Union College, and spent 14 years as an associate superintendent in the Northern California conference Office of Education.
She holds a B.S. in liberal studies from Pacific Union College, an M.A. in elementary education, and reading specialist certifications.
Ingham is a California native married to Robert Ingham, also an educator. They have a daughter, who is a speech-language pathologist and a son who is a mechanical engineer.
Associate Director Secondary Education
Fernando Lista Oleynick
Fernando Lista Oleynick is one of the newest additions to the Pacific Union Conference team joining in July 2023.
He previously worked as an elementary and high school teacher, school principal, and spent the last 5 years as the superintendent of education in the Nevada-Utah Conference.
Oleynick holds a double B.A. in education and theology from River Plate Adventist University and a M.S.ed in administration and supervision of education from Southern Adventist Education. He also holds a Ph.D. in K-12 Administration from Andrews University and is an ordained minister.
He is native of Argentina and is married to Cristine. Together, they have two elementary school aged boys.
Family Life Ministries
Edwin Mendoza
Born in Colombia SA. 42 years of ministry as a SDA pastor in Venezuela, Colombia and USA. Married to Mary Mendoza. Two sons and two grand kids. MA (Loma Linda U.) Church and Ministry, MA (Loma Linda U.) Counseling School of Education and DMin (Andrews University) Family Relations. Retired since 2019.
Associate Ministerial Secretary
Jennifer Newton MBA, CFMP
Jennifer Christian Newton is self-employed as a consultant. She teaches Christian financial seminars and also serves as the associate ministerial secretary for the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists on a volunteer basis. In this capacity, she is the event planner and provides support to pastoral spouses and families.
Previously she was assistant vice president and regional audit manager for General Motors Commercial Finance.
She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Andrews University. She has an MBA in Project Management and is a Certified Faith-based Meeting Professional.
Sabbath School and Personal Ministries
Pastor Jim Park, PhD
Jim Park - Pastor Jim Park was born and raised a devout Catholic and was converted into the Adventist Church in his early twenties. He pastored in the Southern California Conference for 25 years before going to teach for 12 years at our graduate seminary in the Philippines. He has a PhD in Discipleship and Mission from Fuller Theological Seminary. He wrote the annual devotional book called The Daily Disciple for the Southern Asian Pacific Division as well as an academic textbook on urban ministry for the General Conference. He has consulted internationally and is currently teaching for Loma Linda and Andrews Universities. His focus is to help pastors and churches understand the true growth process through the Sabbath School and Personal Ministry. He is currently living near San Diego with his wife Diana. They have two adult children.
Associate Treasurer
Christiana Parris
Christiana Parris has served as associate treasurer of the Pacific Union Conference since 2017.
Previously the assistant treasurer, she has worked in the Pacific Union Treasury Department in various roles since 2012.
She graduated from Pacific Union College with a bachelor’s in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. She also received a master’s degree in accounting from Golden Gate University with a concentration in forensic accounting.
Christiana is a native of Nigeria.
Associate Director
Dennis Seaton
Dennis Seaton has served for 20 years in the administration of Central California Conference, troubleshooting issues and handling human resource functions and pastoral placement, as well as a variety of other administration duties. He is excited about the opportunity to represent Christ in the legislative and interfaith communities and to help members with their Sabbath/religious problems.
Associate Director - Communication & Community Engagement; Recorder Editor
Alberto Valenzuela
Alberto Valenzuela has served as associate communication director and editor of the Recorder since 2017.
He was previously communication director for the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference, director of video production and training at the General Conference, and assistant vice president for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Alberto has also been a pastor, an academy teacher, and a media and communication consultant for Hope for Humanity, Loma Linda University, and Adventist HealthCare.
He attended Montemorelos University, has a bachelor’s degree in theology from Southern Adventist University, and a master’s degree in church history from Loma Linda University.
Associate Director Early Childhood Education
Julie Yamada
Julie Yamada has served as the early childhood associate director at the Pacific Union Conference since 2014.
She previously worked as the director of the Pacific Union College Discoveryland Children’s Center in St. Helena, California.
She has a master’s degree from Walden University in early childhood studies, with an emphasis in teaching adults in the early childhood field, and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education and Spanish from Pacific Union College.
Yamada is a native of Lemoore, California, and is married to Gregory Yamada. They have two sons: Calvin, 14, and Logan, 10.
Associate Director
Connie Vandeman Jeffery
Connie Vandeman Jeffery has served as associate director of Communication and Community Engagement for the Pacific Union Conference since 2019. She has been the host of All God’s People, a weekly short video series highlighting the people and ministries of the Pacific Union Conference, since 2017.
Jeffery has had a long career in media, working as a radio announcer, co-host, associate speaker, television host, producer, and singer for several media ministries. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from La Sierra University.
She has one son, a daughter-in-law, and two granddaughters.
IT Director and Associate Treasurer
Bill Liers
Bill Liers has served as director of Information Technology for more than 20 years. He also consults with the North American Division regarding its accounting software needs. Liers is responsible for the design, programming, implementation, and production of all new computer technology systems and for the production and maintenance of existing systems.
He previously served the union as a treasurer and technology director for the Home Health Education Service.
He is a graduate of Columbia Union College.
Senior Accountant
Leanne Garrison
Leanne Garrison has been on the accounting staff at the Pacific Union Conference since 1993, holding the accounts receivable/cashier position. Her responsibilities include working with payroll processing and plant assets while continuing to work with the Pacific Union Conference loan funds and overseeing the A/R processes.
Leanne is a native of Maryland; she moved to California in 1985 with her husband, who pastored in the Southern California Conference. She has two adult daughters, Michelle and Amy.
Junior Accountant
Debra Goldsmith
Debra works in Treasury as accounts receivable clerk/cashier.
Detailed, kind, and efficient, Debra possesses a strong work ethic and determination to complete tasks in a timely manner.
She recently returned to her hometown of Simi Valley and enjoys spending time with her extended family and friends. Debra feels blessed to be given the opportunity to serve the Lord working at the Pacific Union Conference, and she is looking forward to becoming more involved at her new church through volunteering at the Food Connect and serving those in need within the community.
Administrative Assistant
Peggy Liebelt
Accounts Payable Clerk
Judy Videla
Senior Accountant and Public Notary
Etelia Warden
Etelia Warden moved from Northern California to Ventura County early in 2016 to work at the Pacific Union Conference. She is currently serving as an accountant and public notary. Besides notarizing documents for the office, she also reconciles bank and investor accounts. Additional duties include validating auditor verifications, processing remittance reports from conferences, as well as assisting the process of many reports.
Etelia is a graduate of Southern Adventist University in Tennessee.
Associate IT Director
Rico Mundy
Rico Mundy has served as associate director of Information Technology at the Pacific Union Conference since August 2018. Previously he served as IT support at Pacific Union College.
He is a graduate of Pacific Union College with a B.A. in Religion.
Mundy is native of Angwin, California. He is married to Cherith, and they have three children, Alethia, Zoe, and Derek.
Associate IT Director
Jim Griggs
Jim (Marion James Griggs Jr.) began his service with the Pacific Union Conference in 2011.
Previously serving at Southeastern California Conference, he started his accounting work at Pacific Union College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. After serving as the chief financial officer for governmental, healthcare, and community college institutions, Jim now uses his multi-industry experience to support users of the Adventist Accounting Systems International and Adventist Payroll System software.
Jim earned a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from La Sierra University, as did his wife, Andrea, who currently serves as the chief administrative officer at Quiet Hour Ministries.
Jim is proud of his two daughters: Nicole, who is pursuing graduate studies at Washington State University after graduating summa cum laude from Walla Walla University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics; and Samantha, who has served as a student missionary in the Marshall Islands and is currently attending Walla Walla University’s school of engineering.
