Kelley Paris, who has served as treasurer of the Central States Conference since June 2023, has been elected by the Board of the Regional Conference Retirement Plan to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer. She will officially assume her new role on Jan. 1, 2026, following the retirement of current CFO Yvonne Collins on Dec. 31, 2025. Kelley is married to Pastor Mark Paris. Together, they have devoted their lives to ministry and service in this territory.
A legacy of faith and service
Over the past three years as treasurer, Kelley’s leadership has strengthened the conference’s financial management, planning and stewardship. Under her guidance, Central States has seen growth in tithe and improvements in financial audits, milestones she described as defining moments that showed the resilience of the CSC family.
Central States Conference has always been home for Kelley. Born in this territory, her first church as an infant was Grand Avenue in Sikeston, Missouri. Her grandfather, father, uncle and husband all served as pastors within our conference. She first joined the office temporarily during the illness of associate treasurer Arvin Topps. After his passing, Kelley was invited to stay on in a permanent role, where she became a steady and faith-filled leader for the churches and members.
Expressions of gratitude
Elder Cryston Josiah, CSC president, shared: “We are extremely grateful and thankful for the tremendous blessing Sis. Paris has been to our conference, specifically in making us a financially stronger entity. Even though she will be deeply missed personally and professionally, we are happy for her and her family as she takes up this new assignment. Our administration has already deliberated and will be implementing a transition strategy so that the best financial interest of our conference is well served. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to stay mission driven in helping to finish the work in the Central States vineyard.”
Elder Joseph Ikner, vice president of administration, added, “Kelley has been a trusted partner and an integral part of our team. Her professionalism and faith-filled leadership have made a lasting impact. Though we are sad to see her go, we celebrate God’s calling on her life.”
Reflections
In reflecting on her service, Kelley expressed her joy in seeing God’s faithfulness in CSC’s finances: “Seeing how God has miraculously blessed our conference through difficult and challenging financial seasons has been my favorite part. I cannot take any credit for God’s work. He is the God of miracles.”
She also spoke warmly of the CSC family saying, “Everyone embraced me from the beginning. I sincerely enjoyed the family atmosphere with our team at the office and working with the pastors, teachers and executive committee. The team’s dedication and passion for our mission have made my time here truly enjoyable.”
One highlight for Kelley came earlier this year as she prepared the constituency session report and reflected on tithe growth and improvements in financial audits. She described it as a defining moment that showcased the resilience and commitment of the CSC family.
Looking ahead, Kelley said she is both excited and humbled. “This is a new chapter in my career, and I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities it will bring. I will continue to rely on God because my success in His work comes from His provision and not my abilities.”
She also offered a personal message to CSC members: “Stay faithful to God and remain connected to Him in every season. Be reminded that God has already gone ahead of us—He knows the path and has a plan. Our responsibility is to simply trust Him.”
The Central States Conference family thanks Kelley Paris for her faithful service, professionalism and dedication to God’s mission. We thank God for the impact she has had in making the conference stronger and more mission-focused and ask members to join us in prayer for Kelley and Pastor Mark as she begins this new chapter of ministry.
