Speakers

Elden Ramirez is president of the Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a role he assumed in May 2025. Before joining the Lake Union, he was the undersecretary of the North American Division and previously served as president of the Montana Conference. Elden has ministered in a variety of roles, including academy chaplain, youth pastor, senior pastor, church planter, and departmental director in areas such as family life, youth ministries, camp ministries, health and temperance, national servicemen organization, and the office of volunteer ministries. Elden and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters, Elennie and Jasmine.

• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Tuesday · 8:00–8:45 AM
• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Wednesday · 8:00–8:45 AM
• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Thursday · 8:00–8:45 AM

Ted Huskins grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a graduate of Fletcher Academy, Southern Adventist University (Theology and Physical Education), and Andrews University (MDiv), and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in business administration at Johnson & Wales University. Ted began his church career as a local church pastor, then as vice-president of Adventist Consulting for Coleman Stewardship Services, which he and his wife Cynthia own. He has served as executive secretary of the Northern New England Conference, as president and executive secretary of the Atlantic Union Conference, and as executive secretary of the Lake Union Conference. Ted and his wife, Cynthia, have five children and two grandchildren.

• Banquet — Casual Event / Introductions · Monday · Evening

Glynn C.W. Scott has served in the Lake Union Conference since 2000 as associate treasurer and then as treasurer from 2003 to the present. Prior to serving in the Lake Union, Glynn was secretary/treasurer for the Bermuda Conference from 1997 to 1998 and treasurer for 1999. Before Bermuda, Glynn served as an auditor for Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse and in financial analysis for Fidelity Investments (Boston). Glynn holds a B.S. in Accounting and Business Administration from Atlantic Union College. He is married to Donna-Mae (Young) Scott, and they have two sons, Glenn Jr. and Clifton.

• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Tuesday · 8:00–8:45 AM
• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Wednesday · 8:00–8:45 AM
• Devotion / Announcements / Ice Breakers · Thursday · 8:00–8:45 AM

Gianluca Bacchiocchi is an international finance attorney, partner at Clifford Chance LLP, and president of the ASI Lake Union Chapter. He is passionate about helping professionals integrate faith with their careers and inspiring young adults to live missionally in the marketplace.

• Excellence · Tuesday · 8:45–10:15 AM

Philip Bond serves as Director of Planned Giving & Trust Services for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He provides leadership for planned giving programs across the United States and Canada, working with conference and ministry leaders to strengthen charitable gift planning and advance the Church’s mission through philanthropy and legacy giving. He also oversees training and certification of NAD planned giving and trust officers. With more than 20 years in planned giving and financial services—and earlier experience in commercial banking—Philip brings expertise in estate planning and donor stewardship. He is married to Sheri; they have two adult children, Sophie and Sam.

• Annual Trust Report · Thursday · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

H. Dean Bouland is the Managing Attorney for Bouland & Brush, LLC. A graduate of Columbia Union College (B.A.) and the University of Baltimore (J.D.), he has practiced in Maryland; the United States District Court for the District of Maryland; the District of Columbia; the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; the United States District Court for the District of Columbia; the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; and the Supreme Court of the United States. Practice areas include corporate law, defense of tort actions, defense of employment claims, estates and trusts, civil litigation, and representing exempt organizations including schools, churches, public charities and private foundations. Dean is active in several charitable foundations and exempt organizations. He is the father of two married sons and the proud grandfather of four grandchildren.

• Probate Issues · Tuesday · 2:45–4:15 PM

Dawn Burch, born in Cincinnati, Ohio, is the mother of three adult sons. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business. During the final decade of her career, she served in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference Planned Giving Trust Services and Treasury departments, where she supported members with their estate planning needs through the effective use of software databases developed by the Conference’s IT Department. She has since retired and now lives in Texas to be closer to her grandchildren.

• PGTS Software · Wednesday · 2:45–4:15 PM

Jeremy J. Cruz serves as Advancement Manager at Western Adventist Foundation, where he leads education and internship initiatives, supports client ministries in advancing their planned giving programs, and contributes to institutional advancement. He earned a Master of Legal Studies with Distinction from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in 2023. Before joining WAF, Jeremy worked in camp administration with the Southeastern California Conference for eight years. Combining legal education, nonprofit experience, and a passion for ministry, he enjoys helping Adventist organizations thrive in PGTS ministries.

• Common Issues in Planned Giving · Thursday · 8:45–10:15 AM

Monica Edwards is the Assistant Legal Counsel for Western Adventist Foundation, where she helps individuals and organizations steward their resources through charitable estate planning and planned giving in support of the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University and a Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law and has concentrated her legal career in the areas of estate planning, probate and business transactions since 2001. While serving as a Vice President in the Estate Settlement Services Department at Wells Fargo Bank, Monica was introduced to the Three Angels' Messages in 2013. Within five months of hearing the message, she was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 2020, she answered God's call to use her legal knowledge and professional experience in service to the Church. Monica is passionate about helping others align their financial and estate plans with their faith. In her free time, she enjoys studying Scripture, exercising, and creating nutritious, plant-based meals.

• Taking the Scary Out of CRTs · Wednesday · 8:45–10:15 AM
• Common Issues in Planned Giving · Thursday · 8:45–10:15 AM

Daniel McGrath serves as the Director of the Communication and Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) Departments for the Michigan Conference, bringing a blend of pastoral experience and media expertise to his role. Before entering conference leadership, he pastored the Metropolitan Church along with several other congregations across Michigan. Daniel holds a degree in Media and Film from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University, equipping him to share the mission of the church with clarity and creativity. Outside of his work, he enjoys biking, rock climbing, producing videos, and spending quality time with his family.

• How to Visit in a Spiritual Way · Wednesday · 1:00–2:30 PM

Matthew A. Romashko (Matt) is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan and a certificate holder for Probate and Estate Planning with the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Matt has 28 years of legal experience in estate planning, corporate, property and agricultural law. He brings a full complement of experience in estate planning as he is involved with the drafting, administration, limited successor trustee and litigation of trusts and wills. Matt is involved in a number of positions with the Michigan Conference. When not working, he enjoys cycling, snow skiing, and riding his motorcycle.

• Real Estate in the Estate Process · Tuesday · 1:00–2:30 PM

James E. Slater II (Jim) is Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for Abbit Management Corp, a boutique investment firm in West Michigan focused on institutional investment solutions. He attended Adventist schools from kindergarten through graduation from Andrews University. He currently serves as Head Elder and Board Chair at Grand Rapids Central SDA Church and as Alumni Association President for Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Jim and his wife Sarah are both Ironman triathletes and enjoy hiking and relaxing at the beach.

• Communication / Finance / Donor Care · Tuesday · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
• Communication / Finance / Donor Care · Wednesday · 10:30 AM–12:00 PM

Adam Straub serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Western Adventist Foundation, where he oversees investment strategy, financial reporting, and audit functions. With over a decade of experience in finance, he brings a disciplined approach to safeguarding and growing the assets entrusted to the Foundation. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Andrews University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) from California State University, Long Beach. Adam is committed to sound financial stewardship in service of the Foundation’s mission.

• Common Issues in Planned Giving · Thursday · 8:45–10:15 AM