Alaska Conference

Conference Staff

	PRESIDENT Ken Crawford In June 2004, Ken Crawford was elected as President of the Conference. Ken and his wife, Colleen, started their ministry here in Alaska in 1979. They served first as missionaries in Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island and then served for four years in Kodiak. Ken and Colleen have two children both born in Alaska. Son David is an English teacher and daughter Heather is a nurse. Ken, as leader in the Alaska Conference, has a real burden to see us all grow into a deeper spirituality as reflected in his vision and his leadership.
	VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION: SECRETARIAT Quentin Purvis Raised in Alaska, Quentin completed his degree in theology at Southern Adventist University and is currently working on a masters in pastoral ministry (MAPMin) at Andrews University. He enjoys people and is a gifted speaker. With his return to Alaska, he will be sharing vice presidential duties with Kevin Miller and assisting him at the Anchorage Northside Church. Elder Purvis has served Michigan churches in Lansing, Taylor, Cadillac and Kalamazoo. He is married to Kim and has two daughters, Kathryn & Kaila.
	VICE PRESIDENT OF ADMINISTRATION: MINISTERIAL Kevin Miller Kevin Miller has recently joined the conference as Vice President of Administration where he will be sharing duties with Quentin Purvis in a half-time capacity. In addition to his conference duties, Kevin will continue to pastor the Anchorage Northside and The Second Mile Churches. He also serves with the chaplain corps of the Alaska National Guard. Holding a B.A. in Theology from Southern Adventist University and working toward a masters of divinity, Kevin served in the Michigan Conference as pastor and District Superintendent. Kevin & his wife Paula have three children, Kara, AJ & Joshua.
	COMMUNITY SERVICES / DISASTER RESPONSE Butch Palmero Dr. Palmero moved to Anchorage in the fall of 2008 to head Adventist Community Services and Disaster Relief response for the conference. Working with government, education and local organizations, Butch is establishing the Adventist name as a key community resource. Formerly the pastor of the Delta Junction and Tok churches, Butch and his wife Melba (also a doctor), have two sons, Ephraim III and Edrik.
	EDUCATION SUPERINTENDENT Tom Maher Tom began serving as the Education Superintendent in fall of 2009. As a teacher for over 30 years and former educator in Alaska, Tom brings an understanding of the unique challenges faced by Alaska teachers. In addition to his superintendent duties, he serves on the Upper Columbia Conference and North Pacific Union Conference K-12 Boards. Tom works from his Hermiston, Oregon home.
	ASSISTANT TREASURER Nita Larson Nita brings to the office a breadth of experience in accounting and finances. Formerly a manager with First National Bank Alaska, she began her duties at the Conference June 1, 2007. Nita is an active member of the Anchorage Northside Church where she serves as elder, treasurer and Sabbath School superintendent.
	ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY JoAnn Stevens Joining the staff in September of 2004 as a part-time assistant to Ken Crawford, she was officially hired as the Administrative secretary in January of 2005. In addition to supporting the officers, JoAnn maintains service and membership records and manages reservations for guest rooms, Camp Tuk and Palmer Camp Ground.
	EDUCATION SECRETARY Brenda Campbell-Johnson A life long Adventist and Alaskan, Brenda joined the conference in 2005 and is the first face visitors see when they come into the office. In addition to receptionist and education secretary, other responsibilities include providing administrative support to the communications department, website design and maintenance and all around office support.