Columbia Union Conference Searches for New Leadership
18 March 2024 |
The Columbia Union Conference has initiated the process to select a new president following the announcement of Dave Weigley’s retirement, effective March 1, 2024, after nearly 18 years of leadership. The decision for Weigley’s retirement comes amid his wife’s health challenges and cancer treatment. Weigley’s retirement also aims to minimize distractions from the church’s mission due to legal matters concerning Kettering Health, where he served as board chair in later years.
“I don’t wish to be a distraction from the mission of the church and believe it’s in the best interest of the Columbia Union for me to retire at this time,” said Weigley in the recent article by the Columbia Union Visitor.
Weigley has expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead the Columbia Union Conference, emphasizing the achievements made through collective efforts and God’s guidance. Under his leadership, the union saw significant efforts in evangelism, the growth of Multilingual Ministries, and support for women in ministry.
The Columbia Union Executive Committee met on March 6, 2024, and voted to establish a presidential search committee tasked with recommending potential candidates to succeed Weigley. The process, chaired by NAD president Dr. Alex Bryant, seeks to ensure a seamless transition and continued support for the union’s needs. During this interim period, executive officers Celeste Ryan Blyden and Emmanuel Asiedu, along with Dr. Bryant, will oversee the union’s operations.
This transition period raises questions about the procedure for electing a new president. According to the Columbia Union bylaws, in the absence of a president between constituency meetings, the union executive committee holds the authority to elect a new leader. This ensures that the union’s mission and administrative needs are continuously addressed.
According to a recent letter from the conference, “Dave and Becky Weigley have served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 47 years, the last 18 at the Columbia Union, where Dave served as president and Becky served as director of the Ministerial Spouses Association.” Information for the Weigleys’ farewell celebration on March 19th can be found here.