A Life of Service: PELC Recognition of Elder Dana C. Edmond

by Priscila Pancorbo

Elder Dana C. Edmond and his wife Jill Edmond

At the 2025 Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC), the gathering paused to recognize the faithful service of Elder Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director of ORCM. As the evening’s final honoree, Elder Edmond was celebrated not for seeking the spotlight, but for nearly five decades of steady, dedicated work within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, to James and Marcella Edmond, Elder Edmond’s path was shaped early on by Adventist education. His ministerial journey began 47 and a half years ago in the North Caribbean Conference. During his acceptance remarks, he shared a lighthearted memory of that beginning, recalling his flight to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, on the “smallest plane” he had ever seen—a humble start to a long career.

In 1982, Elder Edmond joined the South Central Conference, where he would serve for 36 years. He worked in various capacities, including as a pastor in Kentucky and Memphis, and later as the Youth Director. After serving eight years as Executive Secretary, he became Conference President in 2009.

His leadership was defined by practical growth and inclusivity. During his tenure, schools were built in Louisville and purchased in Jackson, Mississippi. He also directed significant support toward Oakwood Adventist Academy’s major construction projects, including new classrooms and a gymnasium. Notably, he worked to broaden the conference’s representation, hiring South Central’s first female, Caucasian, and Korean pastors. Since 2018, he has continued his service as the Executive Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministries.

However, the most touching moments of the recognition focused on family and sacrifice. Elder Edmond spoke warmly of his wife of 47 years, Jill Robinson Edmond. He offered a candid glimpse into the reality of administrative leadership, noting that while his office is in Huntsville, his home is in Nashville. For years, he has commuted weekly, telling the audience, “I have a house that I don’t live in… and a wife that I don’t live with.”

He expressed deep gratitude that this long period of separation ends on December 31st, allowing him to finally be fully present at home. He also shared his pride in his two adult children, a daughter teaching in Adventist schools and a son in healthcare, and his four grandchildren.

Elder Edmond closed his remarks with characteristic humility, deflecting praise to God. Reflecting on his journey from that small plane in the Caribbean to his current leadership role, he stated, “The Lord has blessed me beyond what I can describe and beyond what I can deserve.” It was a fitting summary for a man who has spent a lifetime quietly doing the work.