Newly Elected & Reelected Ministry Leaders

WEWOKA, OKLA. – In a continuing spirit of prayerful transition and collaboration, Oklahoma Conference delegates voted in a slate of ministry directors during the constituency session on April 25. These leaders represent both continuity and a new wave of energy, experience and commitment to service.

Giovanni Marin, now serving as stewardship director, blends pastoral care with financial insight and sees giving as a heart issue, not a numbers game. “My prayerful goal is to foster a culture where stewardship is a joyful privilege,” he said, “a natural response to God’s abundant grace.”

Bailley Schmidt, newly elected religious liberties director, emphasized the importance of protecting spiritual freedoms in a shifting cultural landscape. “It is my hope and desire to defend the most sacred right given to mankind,” he said, “that of religious liberty expressed in the freedom to worship according to the dictates of one’s own conscience.”

Jim Landelius, continuing as native ministries director, is committed to serving Native American communities with culturally relevant initiatives. “My vision for native ministries includes developing programs that address the specific needs of Native American communities,” he said, “such as health and wellness initiatives and support for traditional practices that align with Christian values.” 

Continuing her service in dual roles, Cindy Mercer was reelected as both prayer ministries director and women’s ministries director. “With the Holy Spirit’s help, I will strive to bring healing, hope and restoration,” she said. “There’s nothing more joyful than watching God’s ability to transform lives. That’s what makes serving King Jesus so rewarding!”

Tamra Clark was reaffirmed as associate treasurer, a role she has held with grace and reliability through nearly three decades of service at the conference office. “My goal for my current position is to do the best job possible,” she said, “and glorify God in my job.” 

Newly voted in as community services director, Monique Monroe’s journey began in childhood, when she helped her grandparents respond to local disasters. “My goal,” she said, “is to empower our churches to be more involved in their communities as an evangelistic arm that can meet the needs of their communities.” 

Tara Bailey, now serving as director of education, brings years of experience as a teacher and principal. She envisions a collaborative future for Adventist education in Oklahoma. “I believe that when we invest in nurturing students spiritually, equipping teachers to thrive in their calling and building strong partnerships with our churches and communities, we create a foundation for lasting impact,” she said.

Dalia Castellanos, new human resources director, brings a background in administration and people-first leadership. “My goal,” she said, “is to ensure employees feel valued and supported from their first day to retirement.” 

Continuing his leadership in men’s ministries, Robert Quintana, known as “Pastor Q,” will continue balancing this role with his ongoing pastoral ministry. “My passion is to help people discover their God-given identity and their true spiritual purpose in life,” he said.

Luis Prieto, Hispanic ministries director, continues to add to his 40-plus years of ministry experience across two continents. “My goals for this term are for us to work together,” he said, “and advance in church growth and to form new churches.”

Richard Piñero, continuing as ministerial director, emphasized the importance of strengthening pastoral leadership and local churches. “I am committed to revitalizing every congregation in the Oklahoma Conference,” he said, “making each—regardless of size—a vibrant, impactful presence in its community.” 

Israel Mora is continuing to serve in his roles as youth director and Wewoka Woods camp director. With more than 20 years of ministry experience, he is passionate about long-term impact. “I believe the work we put in now,” he said, “will pay dividends for eternity.”

As the Oklahoma Conference turns the page with new and returning directors, a shared thread of prayerful leadership and a heart for ministry weaves through every role.

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