We are pleased to announce that Dr. John McVay, Walla Walla University president emeritus, has accepted the call to become the president of the Oregon Conference, effective January 1, 2025. The offer was extended on Thursday, November 7th, after several months of diligent planning and prayer by the Oregon Conference search committee, which is comprised of all OC executive committee and nominating committee members. The offer was accepted immediately.

Dr. McVay recently retired as the president of Walla Walla University (WWU) at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year. His service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church spans 44 years, with 18 years dedicated to Walla Walla. As the longest-serving president in the university's history, McVay led significant initiatives, including the transition from Walla Walla College to Walla Walla University and the establishment of a wide range of academic centers and programs. He oversaw all operations of the university with an annual budget of $50 million as well as working with students, faculty, and staff. As president, McVay’s priorities included strategic planning and visioning, fundraising, working closely with WWU’s four vice presidents, and immersing himself in the community he served.

In accepting his new role, John McVay remarked, “The Oregon Conference is special territory to our family. I am honored to return here, joining deeply committed members, pastors, teachers, and office staff as we work together in preaching and teaching the hope-filled, Adventist message.” NPUC president and chair of the selection committee, John Freedman, expressed his enthusiasm for McVay's appointment: "John McVay has an exemplary track record of leadership in the Pacific Northwest as the long-time president of Walla Walla University. He has demonstrated consistent, thoughtful, principled leadership throughout his career. We are thrilled to welcome him as the president of the Oregon Conference. He is a spiritually grounded leader whose vision, dedication, and passion for service will be invaluable as we navigate the future of our church and community."

Prior to his years leading at WWU, McVay served as the dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary and as a New Testament professor at Andrews University, taught in the religion department at Pacific Union College and, for a time, served as senior pastor for the Pacific Union College church. He has also served as a pastor in Iowa and Georgia, and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University and a doctorate from the University of Sheffield in England.

Dr. McVay plans to begin serving as Oregon Conference President in January following the end-of-the year leadership and guidance of interim president Don Livesay.