John McVay, Walla Walla University president emeritus, accepted the call to become Oregon Conference president after the offer was extended on Nov. 7, 2024, following several months of diligent planning and prayer by the Oregon Conference search committee.
McVay retired as WWU president at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year. His service to the Adventist Church spans 44 years, with 18 years dedicated to WWU.
As the longest-serving president in the university's history, McVay led significant initiatives, including the transition from Walla Walla College to Walla Walla University and the establishment of a wide range of academic centers and programs. He oversaw all university operations with an annual budget of $50 million and worked with students, faculty and staff.
In this role at WWU, McVay’s priorities included strategic planning and visioning, fundraising, working closely with WWU’s four vice presidents and immersing himself in the community he served.
In accepting his new role, McVay remarked, “Oregon Conference is special territory to our family. I am honored to return here, joining deeply committed members, pastors, teachers and office staff as we work together in preaching and teaching the hope-filled, Adventist message.”
John Freedman, North Pacific Union president and selection committee chair, expressed his enthusiasm for McVay's appointment: "McVay has an exemplary track record of leadership in the Pacific Northwest as the long-time WWU president. He has demonstrated consistent, thoughtful, principled leadership throughout his career. We are thrilled to welcome him as Oregon Conference president. He is a spiritually grounded leader whose vision, dedication and passion for service will be invaluable as we navigate the future of our church and community."
Prior to his years leading at WWU, McVay served as Andrews University Theological Seminary dean and New Testament professor, taught in Pacific Union College's religion department and, for a time, served as Pacific Union College Church senior pastor. He has also served as a pastor in Iowa and Georgia and holds a Master of Divinity from Andrews University and a doctorate from University of Sheffield in England.
McVay began serving as Oregon Conference president in January 2025 following the end-of-the-year leadership and guidance of Don Livesay, interim president.
