ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI – July 7, 2025 – As the 62nd General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues in St. Louis, delegates have concluded the crucial process of electing its top officers, in addition to the recently elected president, Erton C. Köhler.
These appointments will shape the administrative and spiritual direction of the global church for the next five years, from 2025 to 2030.
The elections, held on July 6, 2025, saw reappointments and the introduction of new faces into key leadership roles, reflecting the diverse and expansive reach of the Adventist Church.
General Vice Presidents Appointed
Seven individuals have been elected to serve as general vice-presidents, playing a pivotal role in assisting the president in overseeing the church’s worldwide operations. The elected general vice-presidents are:
- Thomas L. Lemon
- Audrey E. Andersson
- Pierre E. Omeler
- Artur A. Stele
- Saw Samuel
- Leonard A. Johnson
- Robert Osei-Bonsu
These individuals bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives to the church’s global leadership. (Source: Adventist News Network, July 6, 2025, and GC Session 2025 Voted Positions, gcsession.org)
The Secretariat and Treasury Leadership Confirmed
The vital positions of GC secretary and treasurer have also been elected.
Erton C. Köhler, who previously served as the GC secretary, was elected as the new GC president on July 4, 2025. His previous role as secretary saw him advising offices related to the Adventist Mission, archives, statistics, research, and the Institute of World Mission. (Source: Adventist News Network, July 5, 2025)
Richard E. McEdward has been elected to serve as the GC secretary. Delegates voted to appoint McEdward during the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 6, 2025.
As one of the three executive officers, he will oversee the coordination of the church’s worldwide operations, including supporting administrative structures, guiding leadership transitions, and equipping church entities for mission effectiveness.
Prior to his election, McEdward served as president of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission. (Source: Richard E. McEdward Elected as Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, Adventist News Network, July 6, 2025; Experienced missionary Rick McEdward elected secretary of the General Conference, Adventist Record, July 7, 2025)
Paul H. Douglas has been re-elected as the GC treasurer.
Douglas, who first assumed the role in 2021, brings extensive financial administration experience, having previously served as the executive director for the General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS). He is recognized for his commitment to supporting frontline mission efforts. (Source: Adventist News Network, June 7, 2022; and interamerica.org, October 16, 2024)
Assisting the treasurer will be a team of associate treasurers and an undertreasurer. Elected as GC associate treasurers for the 2025-2030 quinquennium are:
- Sabrina C. DeSouza
- Josue Pierre
- Timothy H. Aka
- German A. Lust
- Richard T. Stephenson
- Gideon M. Mutero
J. Raymond Wahlen II was elected as the GC undertreasurer. (Source: Adventist News Network, July 6, 2025, and GC Session 2025 Voted Positions, gcsession.org)
The GC session, which convenes every five years, is a pivotal event where delegates from across the globe gather to elect leaders, discuss church policies, and strategize for the advancement of the church’s mission.
The newly elected officers will now begin their terms, guiding the Seventh-day Adventist Church in its global endeavors.