“We are gathered here—leaders, stewards, believers—not just to hold the mission, but to extend it.” With the thought-provoking question “How do you extend?” David Banks, president and CEO of AdventHealth, opened his keynote address at the 35th annual Conference on Mission. He challenged AdventHealth leaders, board members, advisory members and Seventh-day Adventist church leaders to reflect on what intentional, mission-driven growth looks like in today’s evolving landscape.
Under the inspiring theme Growing on Purpose, attendees gathered in Orlando, Florida, for a dynamic three-day conference focused on staying rooted in mission while embracing growth.
The event kicked off with an awards ceremony hosted by Olesea Azevedo, chief culture and transformation officer at AdventHealth. In recognition of their selfless service, Christian Service Awards were presented to Abby Wirick, mental health consultant at AdventHealth Winter Garden, Apopka, Clermont and Millenia OSEDs; Leann Starkovich, regional director for HIM at AdventHealth Central Texas, and Teri Fisher practice manager, Primary Care Ocala.
The Trustee of the Year Award recognized Anne Kelly, vice president of Mainstreet Community Band of Florida and Dallas Owens, member of the Burleson Independent School District Board, for their exceptional leadership and commitment to service. The Crystal Angel Award, AdventHealth’s highest recognition for outstanding Christian leadership, was presented to Cathy Stankiewicz, chief nursing officer for the Central Florida Division and Vicki White, senior vice president and chief brand and consumer officer. These distinguished executives were celebrated for their mission-related achievements, impactful projects and transformative programs.
Following the awards ceremony, the Benjamin F. Reaves Keynote address was delivered by Banks, offering a powerful message centered on the theme of “extending.” Through personal stories and reflections, Banks highlighted the enduring significance of AdventHealth’s mission, Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, while drawing on the rich history of the organization and of health care.
“Our mission is fully expressed when we combine our clinical capabilities and our professional proficiencies inside our divine appointments, respecting and acknowledging the value and humanity of those we serve,” shared Banks. “Why? Because that’s exactly how Jesus saw people.”
Banks’ keynote set a thoughtful tone for the following day’s business session where attendees were invited to explore what it really means to remain rooted in mission during a season of growth. Keynote speaker Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International and co-author of Mission Drift, emphasized the critical importance of keeping mission at the heart of an organization, a principle many have struggled to uphold. To ensure mission remains central, Greer stressed the need for consistent reminders, clear communication and the discipline to “repeat, repeat, repeat.”
Greer shared a powerful insight: “The mission is not just in the architecture; it’s in the people.” With dedicated team members who live the mission, intentional growth can flourish without compromising purpose. Events like Conference on Mission offer a vital opportunity for individuals across AdventHealth to recommit to the organization’s calling, ensuring the mission remains vibrant, alive and central to AdventHealth’s work.
In alignment with the message of staying true to mission, six missional pillars were reinforced by regional AdventHealth leaders. Sam Huenergardt, executive vice president and CEO of AdventHealth Mid-America Region, spoke over the environment of AdventHealth hospitals and what makes them different.
“Healing doesn’t begin at the bedside; it begins at the door. A patient might not remember the name of their procedure, but they will remember the warmth of the sunlight of the room, the hush of the healing spaces around them, or the comfort of the meal that really felt like somebody cared,” said Huenergardt. “Because that’s what happens. That’s what turns a hospital into a sanctuary. And when they say it felt different here, we’ll know that we didn’t just live our mission. We embodied it and Christ was seen through us.”
That evening marked the return of a special tradition—Friday vespers. Jeff Bromme, executive vice president and chief legal officer at AdventHealth delivered a reflective message on “the vesper hour,” encouraging attendees to seek out spaces where they can inspire and uplift others.
Music played a key role in both the Friday vespers program and the Sabbath morning service at Calvary Orlando church. The AdventHealth Orchestra, led by Richard Hickam, corporate director of music and the arts at AdventHealth, returned with a stirring performance, joined for the first time by the newly formed AdventHealth Choir. Under the direction of Vivian Cook, learning partner for learning innovation and strategy at AdventHealth, the choir made a memorable debut that added depth and inspiration to the worship experience. These moments of music paved the way for powerful team member and patient testimonials, accompanied by images from the Illuminations of Faith art gallery, a curated collection of personal artwork created by AdventHealth team members from across the system, displayed just outside of the sanctuary.
Photo: Matt Rainey/AdventHealth
Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and AdventHealth board chair, delivered the Sabbath message. Centering his reflection on God’s remedy for mission drift, Thurber drew from Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Thurber concluded his sermon by reflecting on how this passage captures the essence of God’s saving relationship with us and how AdventHealth’s mission and service standards reflect that divine calling. “Not only did [Jesus] ‘Own It”, he said, “but He loved us and by doing so He kept us safe. And by the way, He made it simple.”
Photo: Matt Rainey/AdventHealth
This connection between AdventHealth’s service standards and its mission was also emphasized earlier in the conference by Banks. “I have heard people describe our organization in many different ways. Some reference our services, our geographic reach or our financials,” said Banks. “But I believe it’s our mission statement that best describes who AdventHealth is and what we are seeking to do. Extending the ministry of Christ simply means going to where the people are.”
Andrea Cardenas is a stakeholder communications specialist at AdventHealth.
