VP JACKSON, 25 YEARS OF SERVICE

Celeste Ryan Blyden

Celeste Ryan Blydan, an alumna of Washington Adventist University, formerly CUC, was recently named Executive Secretary for the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She is the first woman to fill the role in the union’s 114-year history. “So many women who have worked tirelessly for the Church we love never got this opportunity. In this historic appointment, the door has been opened for all of us!” Celeste graduated with a degree in Journalism/ Public Relations and Counseling Psychology in 1993 from WAU and went on to get her master’s degree in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University. She first joined the union in January 2002 and has been climbing the ranks ever since. She started out as the Communication Director and editor of theVisitor Magazine then became vice president for Strategic Communication and Public Relations She began her new role as executive secretary--one of the union’s three executive officers-- on January 1, 2022.

“Celeste has demonstrated a real passion for mission and effective leadership in her current position,” says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union Conference President. “She has been a pastor, shepherd, and encourager to those around her, as she led her department very effectively over the years.”

With this new and exciting role, Celeste is also working to obtain her master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. She has left a lasting impact on the people around her. She will continue to create a legacy as she makes history as the first female Executive Secretary in the C-suite of the Columbia Union Conference.