On Sept. 14, 2026, Montana Conference board of directors elected Laryssa Barlow to serve as Montana Conference vice president of finance. Conference leadership and the board are pleased to welcome Barlow into this new role and are grateful for the experience, dedication and knowledge that she brings to the position. She succeeds Solomon Agdon, who left July 31, 2026 to begin serving in Newfoundland Conference.
A fourth-generation Adventist, Barlow was born in northern California. At age 8, she and her family began a two-year adventure traveling throughout the U.S. while her mother worked as a traveling nurse. Her father homeschooled her while also providing opportunities to explore the places they visited.
Barlow later attended Caldwell Adventist Elementary School in Caldwell, Idaho, and Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana. She continued her education at Southern Adventist University, earning a bachelor's in computer systems administration with a minor in religious studies.
After college, Barlow fulfilled a longtime dream of spending a year abroad as a missionary. She traveled to South Korea, where she taught English and religion at Adventist English Language Institute in Daejeon. The experience became a treasured part of her journey as she developed friendships with people from around the world and gave Bible studies to several students.
Upon returning to the U.S., Barlow worked for an intensive mental health outpatient program in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and was matched with a young girl in foster care. They spent time together weekly for nearly four years, developing a meaningful relationship.
In November 2013, Barlow joined Montana Conference as an administrative assistant. Five years later, the conference faced a need in accounting and Barlow stepped in to learn accounting processes and help keep the finance department operating. That unexpected opportunity began a new professional path. She became a junior accountant in December 2019 and an accountant in January 2024.
Barlow continued developing her financial expertise, completing a Graduate Certificate in Professional Accounting through Eastern Washington University in June 2025. Looking back, she sees God’s guidance through the people and circumstances that prepared her for this responsibility. She is especially grateful for the mentorship of Erin Tungesvik and Solomon Agdon, former Montana Conference vice presidents, and Kristi Rich, former Montana Conference accountant.
Barlow enjoys calling Bozeman home, taking day trips to Yellowstone, hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, photography and spending time with her two cats. As she begins this new chapter, the Montana Conference family is invited to join in welcoming Barlow to her new role, praying for her as she takes on this responsibility and supporting her as she continues to serve God and the ministry of Montana Conference in this new way.
Montana Conference board of directors prays over Laryssa Barlow, Montana Conference vice president of finance.
Montana Conference board of directors prays over Laryssa Barlow, Montana Conference vice president of finance.
