On Thursday April 28, a joint meeting of the Oregon Conference Executive and Nominating committees elected Brandon O’Neal as Oregon Conference Superintendent of Schools (Vice President for Education). For the past five years, O’Neal has served as principal at Portland Adventist Elementary School, guiding the school toward innovative growth amid the pandemic. Through the course of his service in Oregon, O’Neal has been repeatedly recognized for administrative excellence, twice earning Oregon Conference Administrator of the Year honors. In 2021, O’Neal joined the Oregon Conference office education team as a part-time associate superintendent, overseeing four schools in addition to his PAES principal responsibilities. Before Oregon, his career included stops in Texas and Oklahoma, where he honed expertise in special education and curriculum development.

“Brandon’s dedication as a leader in the Oregon conference and his innovation in curriculum development is vital,” said Bill McClendon, North Pacific Union vice president for administration and joint chair of the Oregon Conference nominating committee and executive committee. “We must continue to provide academic excellence, while ensuring that every student and teacher matters.”  

With an M.A. Education Administration, and over 15 years experience leading educational teams, Mr. O’Neal is well-prepared to take the lead in Oregon Adventist Education. His expertise in strategic, collaborative leadership will help support and prepare schools for the upcoming challenges presented by our changing society.

While the constituency election is only a few months away, it was important for the right candidate to be in place as soon as possible to help navigate the prime recruitment season for Adventist Education. Oregon Conference has not been immune to the post-pandemic migration, meaning there’s many positions to be filled in Oregon before next school year. Mr. O’Neal will immediately join the associate superintendents in meeting this recruitment challenge.

“I am very excited to join the amazing team at the Oregon conference,” wrote Mr. O’Neal. “Working side by side with all stakeholders our Education Department will continue to lead in innovative Adventist Education while supporting and building strong communities with a focus on each individual child of God. I am humbled by this opportunity and thankful for the support of conference leadership, my colleagues, my school family and church community.”

Oregon Conference President Dan Linrud affirmed the decision. "Brandon O’Neal is a high-quality strategic leader and team player who will be an excellent fit for the Oregon Conference team. His experience speaks for itself, and he is well-respected by his Oregon colleagues. I can’t wait to see how the Spirit of God will bless his ministry as he takes this next step in leading the Oregon Adventist education system.”