The Iowa-Missouri Conference is pleased to announce that Melissa Morris has been appointed executive secretary, transitioning from her current role as education superintendent. Morris, commissioned as a teacher in 2018, brings extensive administrative experience and a proven track record of leadership within the Adventist church system, having served the conference since 2011 in various educational leadership roles.
“Melissa has excelled in every endeavor she’s engaged in as she’s worked for the church,” said Pastor Rob Alfalah, former conference secretary. “Although this isn’t the field of education, her leadership skills, administrative ability, conflict resolution, and communication capabilities—plus her love for Jesus—will help her to do a great job in this new position. The conference is blessed to have her.”
Morris holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri St. Louis, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude, and is completing her master’s degree in administration from La Sierra University. Her extensive service to the church includes positions on the NAD Executive Committee, the MAUC Curriculum Committee, and the Sunnydale Adventist Academy Board.
“Melissa Morris has served this conference faithfully as a teacher, school principal and superintendent of education while also serving various local church positions,” said conference president Lee Rochholz. “While the role of the conference president is to work in the field with other conference leaders, the role of the conference secretariat is to lead the office and make sure the administrative work of the church is accomplished and moves forward. I believe that Melissa’s previous experience, as well as her abilities and management style, will pay great dividends in helping our office to serve the field.”
Rochholz further stated that in electing Morris the committee also recognized the importance of having someone with education experience serve on the officer team. “Education both at the elementary and academy level has always been a high priority in the Iowa-Missouri conference. Melissa’s experience will help us to navigate challenges in education as we get closer to the second coming of Christ,” he added.
Throughout her career in Adventist education, Morris has demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, team leadership and fostering positive relationships across the conference community. Her experience managing complex administrative responsibilities while maintaining strong connections with churches, families and educational institutions positions her well for this new role.
