Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
During Inter-America’s biannual executive committee held on the campus of the Montemorelos University in Mexico during May 8-10, top church leaders honored and thanked Paul Douglas for his outstanding service as director of General Conference Auditing Services (GCAS) for the Inter-American Division (IAD) territory. Douglas was recently appointed as the new director of the world church's GCAS.
“Having worked with Paul throughout the IAD territory, professionally speaking, it was an extraordinary experience,” said Filiberto Verduzco, treasurer of the church in Inter-America.
“I had the opportunity to work with him and we soon found out the level of professionalism in which he carries and that did not go unnoticed for the church as he was named the new director of world church’s General Conference’s Accounting Services (GCAS),” Verduzco said.
“Paul we are not saying good-bye from the division because you are now closer to us and now that you know us you probably have a better perspective of the Division territory, you will be able to help ensure that the excellence of the work in Inter-America can be improved even more,” he added. “We will pray that God can give you a double portion of your Holy Spirit and remember that we at Inter-America are your friends.”
Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, echoed his appreciation for Douglas’ high professionalism and strong leadership as committee members agreed with loud applause. “Paul thank you for your service. You have prepared a body of auditors of which we feel very proud and we hope you are close to our Division helping us in this line of work,” Pastor Leito said.
Douglas, who was supervisor of financial activity throughout the territory as GCAS regional director, was overseeing a staff of 13 in Inter-America. In his new position, he will oversee the work of 220.
“This is a difficult moment for me, it’s hard to leave my home division, my heart has been and always will be…I didn’t try to count the years, but as I stood here I realized that I’ve been here six years…it seems like yesterday but it has been a joyous experience.”
“I came here with the objective that auditing could be done in a different way. And rather than auditors be seen as those who were police that we could become partners….you have an objective to prepare financial statements and it will be our duty to assist you and partner with you in preparing those financial statements,” Douglas said as he expressed his appreciation for the gift presented on behalf of the committee.
Douglas, who is 41 years old, was born in Jamaica of Cuban descent. He and his wife Rochelle have three young children.
