Zeb Worth Retires After Years of Technology Leadership

ALVARADO, TEX. – After nearly 25 years at the Texas Conference, Zeb Worth retired on Jan. 31.

Having graduated from Walla Walla University (formerly College), Worth worked for Pacific Union College and Monterey Bay Academy before coming to the Texas Conference.

“Zeb’s commitment to keep us current in technology while protecting us from its risks is a challenging job and very much appreciated,” said Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “His calm presence is an asset.” 

Earlier this year, Worth joined other long-term conference employees to reminisce about the many years they have worked together. These employees included Lynette Ecord (1993), Nilsa Johnson (1987), Rhonda Garner (1999) and Liz Velez (1998).

When these employees first began working at the Texas Conference, most communication was handled on paper because the conference’s Wang computers—early office word-processing systems—were still basic systems with limited features, including support for only one font. 

When Worth began at the Texas Conference, employees didn’t yet have personal computers. They worked on terminals connected to a central computer system. Worth was responsible for assigning everyone a txsda.org email address.

When Worth asked if the conference would be willing to pay for his master’s degree, Errol Eder, then treasurer, asked how long Worth planned to stay with the conference. Worth responded that he would probably retire there—a prediction that ultimately proved true.

In 2004, Worth earned his master’s degree in information systems management from Keller Graduate School and later obtained Microsoft certification. Because technology constantly evolves, much of Worth’s work involved ongoing learning and implementing updates that often went unnoticed by users. One visible change came in 2012 when conference board members transitioned from spiral-bound booklets to iPads to access meeting agendas and supporting documents. What was once a new process has since become routine.

When asked about a memorable experience, Worth recalled finding a snakeskin in the computer room in 2015. Yes, it was cold enough in the room for the snake to shed its skin. That made everyone a bit nervous, as they did not know where the actual snake was. Eventually, Carlos Craig, then Texas Conference president, and Danielle Bunkley, then administrative assistant for education, caught the snake in a garbage can and released it outside. Photos are available online at TexasAdventist.org/ZWorth-Retire-2026.

While Worth could have worked elsewhere, he decided the conference was the best place to work, saying, “I had no desire to work anywhere else.” 

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By Tamara Michalenko Terry

Director for Public Relations

and Editorial Services

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