During the Sunday session of the 2025 Annual Council on October 12, Andy Im, director of communication and director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) for the Michigan Conference, was elected to serve as associate director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty at the General Conference.
Before his roles at the Michigan Conference, Andy served as co-chair of the religion department at Weimar University and pastored in both New Jersey and Michigan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree in religion from Southern Adventist University.
We’re thankful for his faithful ministry in the Michigan Conference and across the Lake Union territory, and we pray for God’s continued leading as he steps into a new global role.
Recently appointed to serve as director of Human Resources at the General Conference, Laura Im brings a diverse background in law, communication, and ministry. She most recently served as director of Human Resources for the Michigan Conference, and previously worked in the Planned Giving Department at Amazing Facts, Inc. in Roseville, California.
Laura earned a bachelor’s degree in English and French studies from Andrews University, followed by a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in her native Canada. She practiced primarily in criminal and real estate law before transitioning to full-time ministry. Laura’s passions include mentoring students and young professionals, reading, traveling, and finding new adventures with her family.
We are thankful for Laura’s faithful ministry in the Michigan Conference and across the Lake Union territory. We pray for God’s continued leading as she steps into this new global role.
Justin Ringstaff, currently serving as executive secretary of the Michigan Conference, was elected to serve as vice president for Adventist World Radio.
As part of the proceedings at the 2025 General Conference Annual Council, the AWR Board was appointed. During its first meeting, the board voted to elect Justin to this new leadership role.
Justin holds a degree in theology from Southern Adventist University and a Master of Divinity degree from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Since accepting a call to the Michigan Conference in 2005, he has pastored several churches, served as district superintendent and associate ministerial director, and was appointed executive secretary in 2018. He and his wife, Chelli, enjoy traveling, spending time in nature, and sharing their lives in the Lord’s work. They are the proud parents of three grown children.
We are thankful for Justin’s faithful ministry in the Michigan Conference and across the Lake Union. We pray for God’s continued leading as he steps into this global role.
Lake Union Herald staff
