Chad originally grew up in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Great Lakes Adventist Academy. His master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is also from Andrews, and eventually, his Ph.D. in leadership will be, too. As dedicated as he is to impacting young people, no one else on earth holds a more special place in his heart than do his wife Melinda and daughter Adelaide.

Michael pastored in the Michigan Conference and has been actively involved in youth and Pathfinder club ministries. He is passionate about connecting youth and young adults with Jesus. As Christ has sprung in his heart, so he desires that Christ would spring in their hearts as well. He and his wife Erika have two children, Nayla and Julietta.

Gretel lives near Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan with her husband Nestor, and her boys Harald (10) and Eirik (8). Working in Adventist Education as an Admin Assistant, Gretel tested what brings students to Christ. However, while the boys were growing, Gretel would actively work every year in Children Sabbath Schools, Adventurers, and Pathfinders, as well as the daily experience of a Christian home. All these years of local leadership lead Gretel to accept the Children Ministry position for the Center for Youth Evangelism. We are happy to have her on our team!

"I am humbled with the honor and privilege to serve as the Director for Youth, Young Adult, & Camp Ministries for the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. We are a non-profit church organization that seeks to "Encounter Christ, Engender Change, Empower Communities". The Department of Youth Ministries Vision is to"Reach the World, Reclaim the Lost, Restore Lives". Our Mission is to share Jesus through the power of service, power of prayer, power of love".

Zack Payne earned his BA in Theology from Southern Adventist University (2011) and his MDiv from the Andrews University Theological Seminary (2017). He and his wife, Allison live in the Oxford, WI with their three children: Arthur, Eleanor, and Walter. His hobbies include exploring the outdoors, photography, creative and journalistic writing, and playing music. His passion is bringing the church into the 21st century and creating healthy, sustainable congregations.

Latita has served in youth ministries for more than 20 years. First as Adventist Youth Leader at her local church (Independence SDA Church in Chicago), and then Vice President for CYF (Chicagoland Youth President). in 2006, she was voted as president in 2007 and served until 2017. During my time as CYF President. She was asked to serve as Pathfinder Area Coordinator in 2015 and still serves in this capacity today as well as CYF President.  She started working at LRC in July 2009 as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Education, and now serves as Administrative Assistant of the LRC Youth Department. She has a love for youth ministries and wishes to make a difference in the lives of as many youth as possible.

Pastor Charlie is the proud father of three daughters, and devoted husband to Trish. His greatest desire is to model the life of Jesus. There is no greater joy than to see youth and young adults fall in love with Jesus; and become His disciples. 

Ron Whitehead has served in four NAD unions as a local pastor, conference youth, and church ministries director.  He has also served the NAD as associate youth director and directed six International Pathfinder Camporees.  At Andrews University Ron has served as Assistant to the President for Spiritual Life and currently serves the Seventh day Adventist Theological Seminary as Assistant Professor for youth ministry and Executive Director for the Center for Youth Evangelism.  Since 1996 Ron has been honored to serve the Lake Union Conference as Youth Director.