“Communication icon.” “Colossal mentor.” “Consummate professional.” These are just a few of the terms used by communication colleagues and peers to describe Ednor A.P. Davison and her service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the field of communication. After more than 27 years in various communication roles for the Atlantic Union Conference, in September 2023, Davison was appointed to the position of undersecretary by the Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee, beginning January 2024.
In 1993, she began her career as an administrative secretary with the Atlantic Union Conference after working in the insurance industry for about 14 years. Soon after, she became the editorial assistant for the Gleaner magazine and was named managing editor 18 months later. Without hesitation, Davison tackled the challenge of merging the magazine with modern 20th-century technologies. Under her guidance, and in collaboration with a web developer and an information technology expert, she assisted with establishing the union’s first website and email systems used for internal and external communication. She even learned HTML coding to maintain the website. In 2001, Davison was promoted to the role of magazine editor and continued as editor for another 22 years. From 2001 to 2023, she also served as communication assistant director, assistant to the president for communication, and communication director.
“God helped me immensely with taking on each assignment,” Davison says. While cranking out a monthly magazine, handling crisis communication, assisting with training conference and church communicators, and more, she also brought the union into the arena of social media. In addition, she established a weekly electronic newsletter—while working as a one-woman department without a full-time secretary or assistant for about 18 of those years. “I believe that was the most significant hurdle for me. Looking back on it all, I’m humbled and amazed because I could not have done any of it without God’s divine motivation and spiritual guidance.”
Davison’s personal mission statement is “to continually reflect the character of Christ and to be an encouragement and inspiration to those whose lives He allows me to touch.” In 2023, Davison was honored by the Society of Adventist Communicators with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Many who are now in positions of leadership in communication fields across the North American Division shared how Davison willingly and selflessly provided mentorship, guidance, counsel, and wisdom at various times in their careers. According to their testimonies, she continues to embody her mission statement by pouring into others what God has given her. In her last editorial for the magazine, Davison wrote, “I am honored to be one of the stepping-stones in what has made the Atlantic Union Gleaner an excellent magazine for the constituents of the Atlantic Union Conference and beyond.”
On behalf of the Atlantic Union Conference, I express our great esteem and respect for Ednor A.P. Davison’s gifts and talents exhibited by her high-caliber work for this union. We wish her God’s continued wisdom and blessings as she transitions into her new responsibilities in the secretariat office.
