On August 23, 2026, delegates, pastors, and administrators gathered at the camp meeting pavilion in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, for the Southern New England Conference’s (SNEC) 39th Constituency Session. Delegates met to elect conference administrators and committee members for the next four years and, grounded in prayer, conduct the business of the church through a democratic process.
Church administrators from the Atlantic Union Conference, New York Conference, Greater New York Conference, and Northeastern Conference joined representatives from the North American Division and General Conference to assist with the session. Suellen Diller, a member of the Worcester Portuguese church, turned delegates’ hearts and minds toward worship with her solo, “In the Garden,” setting the tone for a Christ-centered session.
David McKenzie, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary, reminded delegates during the devotional that “the church that you’re electing leaders for belongs to Jesus Christ”—a church with a divine foundation, a divine builder, and divine victory. With an eye toward the second coming of Jesus, McKenzie encouraged delegates, “Ride on, Southern New England! Victory has been promised.”
During the departmental reports, SNEC administrators praised God for growth during the past four years, addressed areas needing improvement, and answered questions from delegates.
Delegates elected Edgardo Herrera as president and John K. Amoah as executive secretary — positions they have both held since May 2026. Delegates also elected Joshua Tyman as CFO/treasurer, a position he has also held since early 2026. The following incumbents were also elected: Kenroy Malcolm as ministerial and evangelism director; Yves Francis as Adventist Community Services, Sabbath School, and Personal Ministries director; Daniel Velez as Adventist Youth Ministries and club director; Teddy Williamson as Young Adult and Youth Sabbath School director; and Tanna Allison as Camp Ministries director.
Delegates referred the positions of vice president for Education, vice president for Mission Development, Plant Services director, and Stewardship, Trust Services, and Planned Giving director to the SNEC executive committee.
Delegates voted to receive 11 new churches into the sisterhood of churches and recognized 11 companies. They also elected a new SNEC executive committee, association board, and constitution and bylaws committee.
“On behalf of the Southern New England Conference, I want to say a heartfelt thank you to the planning team, office staff, and the many ministry leaders and volunteers who carried responsibilities behind the scenes and in plain view alike,” SNEC executive secretary John K. Amoah said. “Your faithfulness made a real difference, contributing to the outstanding success of our constituency session.”
The Southern New England Conference also expressed appreciation to delegates from across the territory who gave their time to serve faithfully and unselfishly.
The officers, directors, and committee members elected for the next four years will help lead a conference of 23,170 members across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. The SNEC territory includes churches, companies, groups, elementary schools, a high school, a summer camp and retreat center, and numerous community-based ministries.
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Sandra Dombrowski, communication team writer, Southern New England Conference; and Gleaner staff.
Photo: Shawn Santana
Photo caption: Atlantic Union Conference administrators and directors join newly elected Southern New England Conference administrators and directors for a group photo.
