“Only 25 percent of people who start make it to the end of the trail,” revealed Jennifer Pharr Davis. This sobering statistic reverberated across a room of professionals who may not be trail hikers but still appreciate the value of a single number.
From March 22–24, 2026, financial leaders from around the North American Division and beyond gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the Beyond the Bottom Line conference, a biennial event focused on mission-driven impact.
Designed for officers in unions, conferences, health systems, universities, and academies, Beyond the Bottom Line fosters professional growth, collaboration, and reflection. Founded by Ann Gibson and Gary Dodge, who continue to guide its direction, the event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue and connect with peers who share the responsibility of managing church resources.
Southern Adventist University’s Institute of Ethical Leadership has coordinated the conference since 2014. As Mark Hyder, associate professor at Southern, shared, Beyond the Bottom Line was established to provide “outstanding continuing education on leadership and financial management to church [leaders].” The event, held in partnership with the North American Division just before the worldwide church’s spring meeting, also offers continuing professional education (CPE) for Adventist CPAs and those serving in treasury roles.
The 2026 Beyond the Bottom Line opened Sunday evening with a keynote from Davis, a record-setting endurance hiker and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year. Davis drew from her experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail and emphasized perseverance and clarity of purpose. “To make hard work count, you have to know where you’re going,” she declared. It was an edifying reminder that set the tone for the days ahead.
Throughout Monday and Tuesday, attendees engaged in a variety of plenary and breakout seminars. Morning devotions led by Union Adventist University president, Yami Bazan, grounded the experience in scripture, drawing on Nehemiah 1–2 to remind attendees of the spiritual foundation underlying their work. Highlighting Nehemiah’s influential role in rebuilding Jerusalem, Bazan challenged leaders to care enough to ask questions, lament difficulties with God, and take ownership over problems and solutions.
Featured speakers included David Banks, CEO of AdventHealth, and Tim Lupinacci. Lupinacci, CEO of one of America’s top 100 law firms and author of Everybody Leads, focused on the importance of self-leadership, courage, and influence. He noted that leadership carries an “aroma” that shapes teams and organizations. Addressing the growing pressures professionals face, Lupinacci said, “[It’s] why I spend a lot of time at our firm talking about mental health, wellness, and those resilience ideas of finding things apart from work that help fill you up and bring you joy.”
Nearly 24 seminars covered a wide range of technical topics, such as tax updates, modern academy growth, stewardship, and leadership frameworks. The key takeaway was that financial leadership within the church is deeply tied to mission, people, and purpose. Attendees learned that stewardship excellence requires not only accuracy and accountability but also character, empathy, and faith.
Tuesday featured a seminar of particular interest, drawing a large crowd and leaving only standing room for those hoping to attend. Titled “CEO/Treasurer Panel Discussion,” the guidance given by Don Livesay, Glynn Scott, and Brian Danese centered on the all-important element of interpersonal relationships, particularly between presidents and treasurers. In response, panelists delicately underlined the importance of open communication, good boundaries, collaboration in strategic planning, vision versus reality, and the practical use of tension. The ultimate purpose, they agreed, is to advance the church’s mission.
“Do the right thing always,” Livesay encouraged. “Work hard to do the right thing in the right way at the right time and for the right reason.” Ending with a caution, he said, “If it’s about you, it’s the wrong reason.”
For many, the conference was both a learning experience and a source of encouragement. Alexandra Mora, assistant treasurer for the Inter-European Division, attended for the first time after transitioning from youth ministries into treasury work. She found the experience both reassuring and timely.
“It has been a really positive experience,” Mora said. “One of the key takeaways for me has been — not a change in mindset, but an affirmation of mindset. This is an important transition period for me, and I really appreciated the reminder that God prepares you when He calls you. [I’m leaving with] the motivation to give my best in this new role and to be a blessing in the church.”
Nearing the conference’s end, NAD treasurer Judy Glass presented a plenary session titled “Looking Forward.” Glass addressed future uncertainties by drawing on her family’s generational agricultural history in northwest Minnesota. She shared a heartfelt story of farmers who banded together rather than see one suffer loss. “This is what our church is to do: be the hands and feet of Jesus,” Glass emphasized. “It’s the beyond the bottom line part.”
The conference ended with an engaging presentation from motivational speaker, author, and “Empathy Coach” Vera Jones. Using a basketball, Jones humorously invited attendees to consider how empathy can drive engagement, build relational bonds, and provide a sturdy foundation for extremely successful leadership.
Attendees boarded their flights inspired with a renewed sense of calling. In a field often defined only by numbers and reports, Beyond the Bottom Line reminds us that leadership in the church is ultimately about advancing mission, strengthening community, and stewarding resources to reflect God’s higher purpose.
