Oregon Conference President Resigns Amid Budget and Personnel Challenges
23 May 2024 |
Dan Linrud, president of the Oregon Conference, has officially resigned from his position, effective immediately, as confirmed by the Oregon Conference Executive Committee on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Linrud, who has led the conference since 2016, will begin a four-month sabbatical following his resignation. Post-sabbatical, he will be eligible for pastoral positions within the Oregon Conference, the North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC), or other regions.
The resignation marks the end of an era characterized by both achievements and challenges. Linrud has been recognized for his effective leadership and contributions, particularly in advocating for diversity and supporting women in ministry. However, his tenure also included significant operational adjustments during the global pandemic and recent budget cuts that necessitated tough decisions on personnel reductions and reassignments.
In the interim, Kara Johnsson, Vice President for Administration, will serve as the acting leader until a new president is appointed. The search for Linrud’s successor will be overseen by NPUC president Elder John Freedman and is set to commence immediately.
In a heartfelt message, Linrud expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized the mission-centered achievements during his leadership. He also acknowledged the difficulties faced, particularly the fiscal challenges that led to staffing and operational cuts, and emphasized his commitment to guiding the conference through these tough decisions.
The Oregon Conference has expressed gratitude for Linrud’s dedication and leadership, especially during challenging times, and calls for prayers for both him and the team tasked with selecting the next conference president.