Oklahoma Conference Welcomes New Administrative Team

WEWOKA, OKLA. – With a spirit of unity and prayer, delegates gathered on April 27  at Wewoka Woods Adventist Center for the 71st Constituency Session of the Oklahoma Conference to elect new leaders and seek God’s direction for the years ahead.

Hundreds of members across the state covered the session in prayer for weeks in advance. As a result, the session was marked by peace, collaboration and purpose. By affirming a new president and executive secretary, alongside the reelection of the conference treasurer, delegates welcomed a new generation of leaders committed to building on a legacy of faith while stepping boldly into the future.

Daniel Ortega was elected to serve as conference president, bringing with him a diverse background in Adventist ministry. Over the years, he has served as pastor, youth director, family and children’s ministries associate director and even school principal. Ortega was born in Chicago and raised in Texas, and is known for his approachable leadership style and strong commitment to service. He and his wife, Yesenia, have two sons, Benjamin and Isaac. In assuming his new role, Ortega outlined six areas of focus: community engagement and impact, fostering unity and collaboration, investing in the next generation, enhancing the ministry of Wewoka Woods, promoting open communication and shared leadership and cultivating a culture of engagement and feedback. These priorities are described in detail at OkAdventist.org.

“In all these efforts, my heart’s desire is to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, stay grounded in Scripture and serve with humility and vision,” Ortega said. “I believe the best days for our conference are ahead—and I am honored to be part of the journey.” Ortega is part of a generation of leaders shaped by both tradition and innovation, offering a well-rounded perspective as he steps into conference leadership.

Nathan Shires, elected as executive secretary, was born in Arizona and raised in Texas and Oklahoma. Known for his creativity and flexibility, Shires previously served as a pastor in Oklahoma and most recently in Northern California. During the pandemic, he and his team launched a drive-in church model that allowed members to worship safely from their cars. He holds a strong commitment to operational excellence and spiritual leadership. Shires is married to Gurpreet, a nurse practitioner, and together they care for two dogs, Zoey and Jasmine.

“More than ever, we are in desperate need of talented young people who commit themselves to the Gospel cause,” he said. “I hope to inspire a new generation of leaders in Oklahoma who will refuse to settle for the status quo, but will seek God with all their heart, devoting their creativity and talents to building up His kingdom. It’s time to arise and shine.” Shires represents a rising generation of leaders who combine pastoral care with strategic innovation.

Charles Reel continues his service as treasurer, bringing with him more than two decades of experience in financial and administrative leadership. Originally from California, Reel answered a call to serve in Oklahoma and has become a leader known for his integrity, consistency and thoughtful decision-making. He and his wife, Karla, who also serves at the conference, have been married nearly 35 years and are the proud parents of two adult children: Kasondra, a nurse in Colorado, and Cameron, a media professional at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference.

Reel emphasizes two guiding principles in his work: “Do the right thing, at the right time, in the right way. Be authentic and genuine in all interactions with staff and constituents.” His continued leadership provides both stability and insight as the Oklahoma Conference moves forward.

By Ashley Alipoon

Communication Assistant

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