To address particular needs and fill vacancies, three individuals have recently joined the administrative team of the Southeastern California Conference—Mario M. Perez, assistant to the president; Alberto Ingleton, vice president for Hispanic ministries; and M. James Griggs, Jr., associate treasurer.

Assistant to the President

Mario Perez, vice president for Hispanic Ministries, accepted an invitation to serve as assistant to the president beginning on Jan. 1.

“Dr. Perez has served our conference well since becoming a pastor in 1974 and leading Hispanic ministries since 1991. He will be a great asset to administration and will also assist Ernie Furness, our ministerial director,” said Gerald Penick, president.

“I’ve enjoyed working with Hispanic congregations for the past 16 years. I now look forward to interacting with all the churches in our conference,” Perez added.

Perez earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from San Jose State University, a master’s degree in education from Stanford University, and taught in the San Mateo School District and Central California Conference.

He became associate pastor for the Inland Spanish church in 1974 while studying theology at Loma Linda University/La Sierra Campus. Subsequently, he earned a master of divinity degree at Andrews University and a doctor of ministry degree at Fuller Theological Seminary.

After seven years as a pastor in San Bernardino and Orange counties, Perez joined the conference staff as nurture ministries director in 1987.

Vice President

Upon the recommendation of the Hispanic advisory committee and the Southeastern California Conference nominating committee, the conference executive committee elected Alberto Ingleton on Nov. 30 to serve as vice president for Hispanic ministries. He took up his duties on Jan. 1, filling the vacancy left by Mario Perez. He interfaces with 43 churches and companies, 45 pastors, and more than 14,000 members who participate in Spanish-speaking congregations.

“Elder Ingleton has had a 20-year career as a pastor in our field. Many of our pastors credit him with being an excellent mentor who gives good advice,” said Penick. “He is well qualified for his new work.”

Ingleton earned a bachelor’s degree in theology at Montemorelos University, Mexico, in 1981. He began his career as a literature evangelist, becoming assistant publishing director in Central California in 1982.

Joining SECC, he served two Spanish congregations in San Diego (1986-1990). He then became pastor in Orange County and baptized 630 new members during his eight year ministry. In addition to leading the Santa Ana church he organized two satellite groups—the Edinger church (1993), and San Juan Capistrano company (1996).

Since 1998, Ingleton has been senior pastor of the 1,700-member La Sierra Spanish church in Riverside.

Associate Treasurer

Since Jim Griggs graduated from Pacific Union College (PUC) in 1986 with a degree in business administration and accounting, he has worked in health care, education and private industry. In November, he joined the SECC office staff as associate treasurer, filling a vacancy created when Arlind Hackett retired. “We’re pleased to have a person of his experience join our department,” said Thomas Staples, treasurer.

After eight years at PUC as a staff accountant and assistant director of collections and program analysis, Griggs worked with the Mendocino Private Industry Council. From 1995 to 2000, he served as vice president of finance for Hermitage Health Care in Santa Rosa, Calif.

“Working in health care means pressure and long hours,” Griggs said. “Ready for a change, we decided to live near relatives in Kansas.” In addition to becoming involved in a 32-member Adventist church and local business projects, Griggs accepted a position as fiscal officer for Independence Community College in Independence, Kan.

“With our daughters in second and third grade, we hoped to move closer to an Adventist school,” Griggs said. “Now they attend school across the street from the conference office. It’s hard to get closer than that! We feel God has been leading us.”