Chad originally grew up in Flint, Michigan and graduated from Great Lakes Adventist Academy. His master’s degree in curriculum and instruction is also from Andrews, and eventually, his Ph.D. in leadership will be, too. As dedicated as he is to impacting young people, no one else on earth holds a more special place in his heart than do his wife Melinda and daughter Adelaide.

Pastor Ariel Padron is currently pastor of Chicago Logan Square Spanish Church. A native of Pinar del Rio, Cuba, Pastor Padron began denominational service in June, 1994 and graduated from the Adventist Seminary in Cuba in 1998. He is married to the former Mileydis Rodriguez and they are proud parents of an adult son, Moses and one daughter, Keyla. Being a great youth leader, he has developed in the direction of the Youth Department, pathfinders, adventurers, senior guides and FEHJA. He has been a member of the Lake Region Conference family since 2010.

Zack Payne earned his BA in Theology from Southern Adventist University (2011) and his MDiv from the Andrews University Theological Seminary (2017). He and his wife, Allison live in the Oxford, WI with their three children: Arthur, Eleanor, and Walter. His hobbies include exploring the outdoors, photography, creative and journalistic writing, and playing music. His passion is bringing the church into the 21st century and creating healthy, sustainable congregations.

Latita has served in youth ministries for more than 20 years. First as Adventist Youth Leader at her local church (Independence SDA Church in Chicago), and then Vice President for CYF (Chicagoland Youth President). in 2006, she was voted as president in 2007 and served until 2017. During my time as CYF President. She was asked to serve as Pathfinder Area Coordinator in 2015 and still serves in this capacity today as well as CYF President.  She started working at LRC in July 2009 as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Education, and now serves as Administrative Assistant of the LRC Youth Department. She has a love for youth ministries and wishes to make a difference in the lives of as many youth as possible.

Pastor Charlie is the proud father of three daughters, and devoted husband to Trish. His greatest desire is to model the life of Jesus. There is no greater joy than to see youth and young adults fall in love with Jesus; and become His disciples. 

Ron Whitehead has served in four NAD unions as a local pastor, conference youth, and church ministries director. He has also served the NAD as associate youth director and directed seven International Pathfinder Camporees. At Andrews University, Ron has served as Assistant to the President for Spiritual Life. Currently, he serves the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary as Assistant Professor for youth ministry and Executive Director for the Center for Youth Evangelism. In addition, since 1996, Ron has been honored to serve the Lake Union Conference as Youth Director.