Dave Allen, vice president for administration, announced on March 26 that he will retire effective July 1, 2018. The announcement came during Oregon Conference staff worship.

Allen has spent 16 years serving the Oregon Conference, first as pastor at Sunnyside Adventist Church in Portland, and then as vice president for administration. Prior to his time in Oregon, Allen lived and worked in the Southern African Union, including service as president of Helderberg College and president of the Cape Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

“I’m moved by the amazing way that God has led throughout my nearly 44 years of ministry,” Dave says. “When I began as a teacher, I never expected the diverse opportunities that God has opened before me. I’m thankful for the providential way in which God has guided and blessed. I have been privileged to serve Jesus in the employ of the Adventist Church.”

“Elder Allen has exercised a thoughtful, wise, balanced demeanor,” says Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president. “He is a man of God, with a deep personal conviction of God’s calling. He is a strong advocate of equity and fairness for all people at all times in all matters. He has a pastoral heart that cares for all. His humility has made him the consummate team player. It has truly been a blessing to me personally to serve on the Oregon Conference Administrative team with Elder Allen. I can think of no person with whom I would rather have served during my past sixteen months as president. He will be missed by our whole team, office staff, and especially by me.”

At retirement, Dave looks forward to spending more time pursuing his interest in photography and other personal projects from his home in Clackamas, Oregon. His wife, Shirley, will continue to serve as director of children’s ministries for the Oregon Conference.

The search process for Dave’s replacement begins immediately. Election of a new vice president for administration will be the joint responsibility of the Oregon Conference nominating and executive committees. Those meetings are currently scheduled for April 26.