Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Elects New Leadership
A total of 333 delegates and delegates-at-large met at the Texarkana Convention Center on Oct. 27, 2024, for the 36th Constituency Session of the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The nominating committee returned with its list of nominees, and with minimal delay, the constituency reviewed the list of names and began voting.
Jeff Villegas, formerly the conference’s executive secretary, was elected as the new conference president. Villegas began his pastoral career at Shreveport South in 2010 before joining the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference as youth director in 2012. In 2018, he became ministerial secretary, and in 2021, he began service as the conference’s executive secretary. Villegas has been involved in many facets of leadership during his 14 years with the conference. He and his wife, Darlynn, who works in the office as conference clerk, reside in Shreveport, La. Villegas has been working with his administrative team to plan for the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference’s future. Reflecting on his new role, he says, “I am deeply humbled by the responsibility and trust that God and our constituents have placed on me. While it is a solemn task, I am confident that if Jesus is exalted, our conference will be blessed. I invite each of you to join me in prayer, seeking the outpouring of both the early and latter rain. Let us finish the work that has been entrusted to us!”
Arkansas native Ross Harris was elected as the conference’s new executive secretary. Harris, who holds a master’s in public health, is an ordained pastor who has worked in the conference for more than 20 years. He has been a leader in youth and club ministries as well as a driving force behind prayer ministry youth conferences.
Rodney Dyke was re-elected as conference treasurer. Dyke has served in the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference treasury for the past 19 years, guiding the conference through challenges like COVID-19 and volatile weather events impacting churches and schools. According to General Conference auditors, conference finances remain in excellent condition. Dyke’s wife, Peggy, also works in the office and manages important details, allowing him to stay on top of treasury operations.
Rudy Alvir was re-elected as ministerial secretary, a position he has held for the past year. Alvir is an invaluable support to the conference and its pastors, advocating for both English and Spanish congregations. He brings a wealth of experience from his work in Mexico and Canada. Alvir and his wife, Alexandra, who contributes to the treasury department, have two grown children.
Tim Kripps was re-elected as superintendent of education. He and his wife, Angeliqua, oversee all aspects of conference schools—including teachers, testing, and accreditation—while addressing the challenges of preparing young people for eternity. The Kripps have more than 25 years of experience in Adventist education.
Marjorie Downs was re-elected as the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services director and Association secretary. With nine years of service at the conference, Downs assumed her current role three years ago. She manages transactions and renovations for church properties and assists church members with estate planning and document preparation.
Frances Alcorn was re-elected as communication director. Alcorn maintains the online conference calendar, sends out newsletters, produces offering and sunset calendars, creates flyers and bulletin inserts and serves as the president’s administrative assistant. She has worked in the Shreveport office for the last eight years.
David Craig was invited to return to his former position of youth and young adult director. Craig, who holds a Master’s in Divinity from Andrews University, served as conference youth and young adult director from 2018 through 2023. The conference is excited about his return and anticipates seeing young people grow in Christ as a result of Craig’s passion and dedication.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to former president Richard Dye and his wife, LaVonne, for their dedicated years of service to the conference. Their commitment, faith and contributions are deeply appreciated. We wish them blessings and fulfillment in all their future endeavors.
