The Oklahoma Conference is pleased to announce two additions to its Treasury Department: Jessica Ann Burns, who will begin serving as conference treasurer in early October, and Heather Severance, who began serving as administrative assistant on Aug. 24.
Jessica Ann Burns
Burns joins the Oklahoma Conference from the Chesapeake Conference, where she has served as associate treasurer since 2023. In this role, she has overseen hourly payroll, accounts payable, and plant asset inventory, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, strong financial leadership, and a steady commitment to mission-focused administration. Her professional experience spans a wide range of treasury and accounting responsibilities, including school finance, nonprofit accounting, business office management, audit support, and financial reporting—all of which equip her well for the needs of the Oklahoma Conference.
Burns’ educational background reflects both academic excellence and a dedication to professional growth. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management (accounting emphasis) from Southern Adventist University, graduating cum laude. Building on that foundation, she completed her Master of Accounting at Southern New Hampshire University in 2025, strengthening her expertise in advanced financial analysis, nonprofit financial systems, and organizational stewardship. She is a certified public accountant in both Arizona and Maryland and holds Planned Giving & Trust Services certification through the North American Division, providing her with specialized training in trust administration, estate planning, and donor-supported ministry finance.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the treasurer of the Oklahoma Conference,” says Burns. “It is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility to steward the conference’s financial resources with integrity, wisdom, and transparency as we support the growing needs of the Lord’s mission. I look forward to working together, in unity through Christ, as we advance the work of the Great Commission in Oklahoma.”
“We are excited to welcome Jessica to our team,” says Daniel Ortega, president of the Oklahoma Conference. “In addition to her strong financial background, Jessica brings a genuine passion for ministry and valuable firsthand experience that will strengthen our mission and help advance our vision. Her experience and gifts are an excellent fit for the needs of our conference at this time. We warmly welcome her to our administrative team, and I am confident that she will serve and lead with intentionality, excellence, and a deep commitment to ministry.”
Heather Severance
As administrative assistant for the Treasury Department, Severance will support financial operations, departmental coordination, and the day-to-day workflows that keep the conference’s mission moving forward. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and warm spirit make her a valued part of the treasury team and a trusted resource for staff and churches across the state.
Severance is also a gifted music leader whose ministry has enriched Adventist schools and churches across Oklahoma. She recently directed a featured musical selection at Parkview Adventist Academy’s Spring Concert Vespers, helping unite students from Parkview Adventist Academy and Ardmore Adventist Academy in a collaborative worship experience that highlighted artistry, unity, and spiritual growth.
Severance is the wife of Steve Severance, who pastors the Norman Seventh-day Adventist Church and Hope Adventist Fellowship in Moore, Okla. Heather and Steve share a deep commitment to nurturing worship, education, and community engagement within the Oklahoma Conference. Severance’s blend of administrative skill, musical talent, and ministry-minded dedication reflects her passion for strengthening Adventist education and fostering meaningful worship experiences for young people and families statewide.
