The Mid-America Union Conference Executive Committee has voted Gerard Ban as associate director of education for the Mid-America Union, filling a position left vacant when LouAnn Howard was asked to serve as director of education last March.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Gerry because he brings many years of teaching and administrative experience at both the elementary and secondary levels,” said Howard. “Gerry also displays excellent leadership abilities and a strong commitment to assisting in the creation of academic environments that are nurturing and spiritual.”

Ban, who most recently served as superintendent of education for the Dakota Conference and principal of Dakota Adventist Academy, received his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Atlantic Union College. He taught in various Adventist schools on the east coast and in North Carolina before coming to the Dakotas in 2013.

Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber said, “We are very pleased about Gerry Ban joining our education team in Mid-America.  He comes to us with a rich history in Seventh-day Adventist education leadership and will be a wonderful resource and support person for all our schools in Mid-America.”

In response to the committee’s vote Ban said, “I am very excited to be part of a great education team in the Mid-America Union. Being part of the education program here in the Dakotas has given me an understanding how I can be a positive support to our superintendents, principals and teachers. I pray for God’s leadership as I try to continue the strong Adventist education philosophy of Mid-America.”