On Sept. 15, 2025, Lynnette Struntz accepted the invitation extended by the Dakota Conference Executive Committee to serve as
the HR director and the superintendent of education, overseeing both elementary and secondary education for the Dakota Conference. Lynnette is certainly not new to the Dakota Conference; she has been serving as associate youth director, associate HR director, and executive assistant over the past few years. Along with her new roles, she will continue serving as associate youth director.
With a bachelor’s degree in English, minors in public relations and religion from Southern Adventist University, and a master’s degree from Andrews University, Lynnette brings a wealth of knowledge to these leadership roles. She began her teaching career at the university level where she taught in two of our Adventist universities. Most recently she taught at the high school level at Portland Adventist Academy.
Beyond her educational contributions, Lynnette has shown strong leadership in various administrative capacities. Her roles have ranged from managing editor to facilities and office manager. She has also worked in communications at both the Florida and Georgia-Cumberland conference offices, further broadening her impact. Additionally, she has served on various educational boards and committees throughout her career.
Lynnette grew up in an Adventist family who has a history of serving as educational superintendents. Her father, uncle, and grandfather all served as superintendents of education at conference and union levels.
“Nearly everyone on my father’s side of the family has taught or has served as an administrator for Adventist schools. It’s a legacy I am proud of, and I am honored to follow in my family’s footsteps,” says Lynnette.
Lynnette adds that long before she was even old enough to attend school as a student, she would be in the classroom helping family members set up and take down their classrooms each year. Adventist education has always been a part of her life.
As a proud product of Adventist education, Lynnette strongly believes in the lasting impact of instruction firmly rooted in Christ. “Adventist schools provide quality education that consistently tests above the norm; however, as important as that is, it shouldn’t be our foremost goal,” she states. “Our focus must be on loving our students as we help them develop a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. When we choose to put this goal first, we really allow God to show up and bless us in numerous ways that are miraculous and unexplainable.”
Throughout her time in the Dakotas, Lynnette has been known for her passion, energy and ability to connect with people. As she steps into these additional roles, the conference is confident that her heart for service, her integrity, and her commitment to fostering growth will continue to bless both the youth and educational ministries. Her dedication to supporting the mission of the Dakota Conference is evident in all she does, and we are excited to see how her leadership will help shape the future of our conference.
Lynnette and husband, Ted, have two teenage daughters: Liz, a freshman public relations major at Southern Adventist University, and Kat, a freshman at Dakota Adventist Academy.
