Adventist Health Appoints Two New Leaders for System Board of Directors

Adventist Health recently appointed two new leaders for the System Board of Directors following the recent retirement of the System Board of Directors’ chair, Ricardo B. Graham.

John Freedman, president of the North Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who has served as vice chair since 2016, was appointed board chair. Bradford Newton, the new president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has joined the board and is vice chair.

“John’s and Bradford’s expertise, leadership experience and commitment to living God’s love will continue to strengthen the Adventist Health organization,” said Scott Reiner, Adventist Health chief executive officer. “We are pleased to formally introduce them to our Adventist Health communities in their new capacities of service and leadership.”

Freedman has been president of the North Pacific Union Conference since 2016 and a pastor and administrator in the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 1981.

“I am honored to be selected as the new board chair, and I look forward to continued work with my board colleagues at Adventist Health,” said Freedman. “This moment in history, during the COVID-19 pandemic, has reminded each of us of the vital role health care plays in our communities. I am proud of the work that Adventist Health is doing to provide excellent clinical care and, through the Blue Zones framework, to improve individual health and well-being in alignment with our Seventh-day Adventist heritage. The work of each Adventist Health associate is critical to carrying forward the healing ministry of Jesus. I am blessed to be a part of that work.”

Freedman also serves as the System Board Mission Committee chair. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University.

Bradford Newton is the new president of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He has served in pastoral and administrative roles since 1983. Newton also serves on the Community Board of Adventist Health Simi Valley. In addition, he will serve as the System Board Governance Committee chair. Newton holds a bachelor’s degree in theology and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Andrews University. 

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit integrated health system serving more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii as well as others across the U.S. through its Blue Zones company. Blue Zones a pioneer in taking a systemic and environmental approach to improving the health of entire cities and communities. Through this work, Adventist Health is leading a 21st century well-being transformation movement.

Founded on its Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics and more. Its innovative Adventist Health Hospital@Home program provides virtual in-patient care at home through home care and hospice agencies. It also offers joint-venue retirement centers in both rural and urban communities.

Author

Kim Strobel

Adventist Health program manager for religion, faith and mission