Gary Thurber elected board chair for AdventHealth

AdventHealth’s Board of Directors has elected Gary Thurber to serve as Board chair. Thurber assumed responsibilities in December, replacing outgoing Board Chair Ron C. Smith following his four-year term.

“I want to thank Ron for his dedication and commitment to our mission. His leadership and courage during the COVID-19 pandemic helped guide our organization during difficult times,” said Terry Shaw, president and CEO for AdventHealth. “His visionary support for the growth and expansion of AdventHealth will leave a lasting legacy on the organization’s future.”

“I look forward to working with Elder Thurber, who brings deep insights and experience that will help guide our organization forward,” said Shaw.

Thurber, who previously served as Board chair from 2017 to 2019, is currently president for the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, encompassing a nine-state region in the Midwestern United States. He has previously served as a pastor in the Kansas-Nebraska, Florida and Michigan conferences. He also served as president of the Rocky Mountain, Indiana and Northern New England conferences. Prior to his role in the Mid-America Union Conference, Thurber was executive secretary of the Lake Union Conference.

“I am honored to be part of AdventHealth in its mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ,” said Thurber. “It’s an exciting time to return to this role and be part of the organization’s growth and impact brought to life by our incredible team members across the country.”