RMCNews with Hugh Davis – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to announce that David VandeVere has accepted the nomination to become the new RMC president, effective August 1. After careful consideration during a special evening session on June 2, the RMC Executive Committee voted to extend an official call to VandeVere.
The presidential search began after Mic Thurber, former RMC president, announced his retirement starting March 1 of this year at the RMC Executive Committee meeting held February 18. The committee received and vetted over 50 nominations, with the facilitation of officers from the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC).
“This process was marked by genuine cooperation on the part of the Executive Committee. Every name submitted was thoughtfully followed up on, and the committee prayerfully considered each one,” recalled Gary Thurber, MAUC president, who chaired the process.
“After much discussion, review, and prayer, they voted to extend the call [to David VandeVere],” he continued. “I was so grateful to work with this committee. They took their task very seriously, were committed to prayer, and worked well together. It was a blessing to be part of the process. David VandeVere is a man who loves his Lord and loves his church. He will be an outstanding leader for the Rocky Mountain Conference.”
VandeVere graduated from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in accounting. He then earned his Certified Public Accountant license and received Trust Certification from the General Conference Trust Committee. In 2006, he completed the Pastoral Coaching Systems program through Ministry Advantage in Dallas, Texas, and was ordained in 2007.
VandeVere has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as a public accountant, treasurer/secretary for the Minnesota Conference, and lead pastor of Damascus Grace Fellowship in Damascus, Maryland, for 10 years before returning to financial ministry in 2014.
While serving as the vice president of Finance for the Potomac Conference, VandeVere led several strategic initiatives, including restoring adequate working capital reserves, developing an integrated finance committee for the conference and its institutions, implementing a debt-relief program for academies, and launching a recruiting process to attract young accounting graduates from Adventist colleges.
VandeVere currently serves as vice president for Finance for the MAUC, a role he has held since October 2021. In this position, he serves the members of the Mid-America Union by overseeing finances and promoting stewardship.
As the ninth RMC president since its restructure and merger with the Wyoming Conference in 1981, VandeVere will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader to the churches, schools, and ministries within the conference. He will guide the conference’s mission and vision, fostering unity with the broader mission of the Global Church and serve as a chairperson for various committees.
Additionally, VandeVere will emphasize team and leadership development in the pastoral, educational, and administrative spheres. He will also represent the conference at broader organizational levels.
“I’m humbled, yet excited by the invitation to lead the team in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked VandeVere. “I believe the Spirit is calling us to unity of purpose, especially in this time of societal turmoil and chaos. He will empower the uplifting of our Savior Jesus Christ and His soon return.”
Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, commented, “I have known Elder VandeVere for years, and he is a very spiritual, capable, and humble leader. I am very excited at this opportunity to work with him, and I believe RMC will prosper with him as our president.”
“I have gotten to know Dave quite well over the past several years in his current role, and I am really looking forward to working with him here,” RMC vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried remarked. “I believe that Dave’s approach to leadership will help strengthen our employees and grow the Church in exciting ways.”
—RMCNews with Hugh Davis, MAUC Communication director. Photo courtesy of Mid-America Union Conference.
