After 44 years of dedicated service as a pastor and administrator, Elder Gary Thurber, Mid-America Union Conference president, has announced plans to retire.
Thurber shared his intentions with the MAUC executive committee on April 23, 2026, during a regularly scheduled meeting. He will continue to provide presidential leadership until the MAUC constituency session to be held in September of 2026.
During his announcement Thurber stated how much he loves the people of Mid-America, what an honor it’s been to serve, and how thankful he is to God for the privilege of 11 years as president. “It’s been a great run,” said Thurber. “I’ve gotten to work with the best presidents, the best committees. You’ve had courage to do hard things in the face of difficulties. To do the right things. It’s just been phenomenal for me and I can’t thank you enough.” The committee responded with a standing ovation in recognition of Thurber’s leadership.
The MAUC constituency session nominating committee is scheduled to convene on Aug. 2, chaired by G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division. This committee is responsible for recommending candidates not only for the office of the president but for the other union officers (VP of administration and VP of finance). Their final report and nominations will be presented to the delegates for a vote during the MAUC constituency session on Sept. 13 at the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Thurber was elected MAUC president in August 2015. He has worked closely with Mid-America leaders and chaired key ministry boards, including the MAUC executive committee and the Union Adventist University board. He also served multiple terms as chair of the AdventHealth board of directors, in addition to collaborating with North American Division leadership on strategic initiatives.
Thurber will be remembered for his calm and authentic leadership style, his support of women in leadership, and his strong support of local conferences in the Mid-America territory. Milestone moments of his presidency include chairing the search committee selecting a new president for Union Adventist University in 2024, serving on the General Conference nominating committee in 2022, and overseeing hiring the most diverse team of staff the MAUC office has ever experienced.
The Mid-America Union serves more than 67,500 members through over 500 congregations and 75 schools across six conferences that include the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Colorado, Wyoming and San Juan County in New Mexico.
Please keep Elder Thurber and his wife Diane in your prayers during this time of transition.
Photo: Hugh Davis
