An administrative leader who has held the senior financial role at the South Pacific Division (SPD) longer than any other person in the 125-year history of the SPD received special recognition at last week’s Division Executive Committee (DEC) meetings.
Rodney Brady was acknowledged for his 21 years of service as Division CFO/treasurer with a citation written by former SPD president Dr Barry Oliver, who served alongside Mr Brady for many years. The citation recognises Mr Brady’s exceptional leadership, his wise counsel and support of other leaders, his strategic thinking and faithfulness throughout his denominational service, which began when he was appointed as a clerk in the Victorian Conference in 1980.
As the Division CFO is a General Conference (GC) appointed role, the citation also acknowledges Mr Brady’s influence on the global management of the activities of the Adventist Church through his attendance at GC sessions, annual councils, GC committees and boards, and his significant involvement in research and decision-making.
GC treasurer/CFO Juan Prestol-Puesán, a special guest at the DEC meetings, added his praise for Mr Brady, stating, “I want to express on behalf of the General Conference that we have appreciated and valued the participation, the contribution and the skill that Rodney has brought to the entire treasury team . . . and I want to personally thank Rodney for the times we have spent together, for his insights and for having such a forward-looking mind.”
Mr Brady will relinquish the role at the end of July to work part-time on special projects. He was one of three Division personnel to receive citations last week.
Discipleship Ministries Team leader Dr Leigh Rice was acknowledged for his distinguished service and leadership.
“He has served as a caring and helpful pastor, a knowledgeable resource provider and a collaborative leader and administrator. He has shown authentic servant leadership around the South Pacific Division and overseas,” the citation states.
“Leigh will be remembered for his visionary leadership, positive spirit, kind and considerate demeanour, and his ability to draw people together as a team to do their best for God, His mission and each other.”
Discipleship Ministries Team member (women in ministry), Dr Danijela Schubert, was recognised as a “diversely skilled individual”.
“Over her years of service, she has been able to help change lives through innovative ideas in teaching, and administration,” the citation states. “She is also a skilled writer and an author.
“Through her leadership on various committees, she brought much-needed attention to the challenges faced by women in ministry. She championed and empowered women at all levels of Church leadership—from volunteers to those working full-time for a church entity. Danijela has shown a great strength of character throughout her journey which has been an inspiration and has helped build resilience in women going through similar experiences.”
