Adventist Leaders Appoint New ADRA Inter-America Director
Ruben Ponce brings regional and international experience to humanitarian work across Inter-America.
January 8, 2026 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
Seventh-day Adventist administrators at the Inter-American Division (IAD) have appointed Rubén Ponce as the new director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Inter-America, effective this month. The recent decision was voted by the IAD Executive Committee.
IAD President Pastor Abner De los Santos said church leaders are confident in Ponce’s leadership and experience, noting his strong background in humanitarian response and organizational management.
Rubén Ponce, newly appointed director of ADRA Inter-America.
[Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
De los Santos highlighted Ponce’s recent involvement in disaster response efforts across the territory, including support provided in Jamaica alongside ADRA International. He added that having the ADRA Inter-America director based in Mexico strengthens accessibility, coordination, and rapid response throughout the region.
Experience in Humanitarian Leadership
Ponce has served with ADRA Mexico since 2019, including the past three years as country director. Under his leadership, ADRA Mexico achieved international accreditation and certification, ranking among the top ADRA offices globally. From 2020 to 2025, the organization implemented 30 humanitarian and development projects, benefiting thousands of community members.
He holds a law degree from Universidad del Norte and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Universidad del Valle de México. With more than 17 years of denominational service, Ponce has also served as legal affairs director at Montemorelos University, associate conference treasurer, auditor, and accountant.
David Poloche, outgoing director of ADRA Inter-America, concludes nearly five decades of denominational service. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
Reflecting on his tenure, Poloche described his years with ADRA Inter-America as deeply fulfilling. He noted the steady growth of ADRA offices across the territory and their increasing capacity to respond to humanitarian crises.
“Emergencies have increased in recent years,” Poloche said, “but we are grateful that we have been able to respond to each of those needs.”
He expressed appreciation for national ADRA directors, emphasizing their role in implementing projects on the ground, and said he was confident in the transition of leadership.
“Now it is time to pass the baton,” Poloche said. “I am very happy to do so with Rubén Ponce. He has
demonstrated what it means to be an ADRA director and understands the role of this agency in advancing the mission of the church.”
Poloche added that he continues to pray for Ponce and his family, trusting that God will guide the next phase of ADRA’s work across Inter-America.
Rubén Ponce (second from left), who served as ADRA’s Emergency Response Team manager in Jamaica following the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, and Alejandra López, ADRA ERT program manager (right), are prayed for by IAD President Pastor Abner De los Santos (left) and David Poloche during a visit to Mandeville, Jamaica, on Nov. 2, 2025.
[Photo: Miguel Roth/ADRA International]
Ponce said he accepted the appointment with gratitude and humility, acknowledging the responsibility of overseeing ADRA’s work across a diverse and expansive territory.
“I am thankful to the Church, to ADRA, and to all who support this ministry through their prayers,” Ponce said. “I also express my deep appreciation to Pastor David Poloche for his faithful and dedicated service.”
He said he looks forward to working with more than 20 unions and 13 ADRA country offices, strengthening collaboration and expanding ADRA’s impact among vulnerable communities.
“I embrace this calling with a commitment to serve and to strengthen this ministry together,” Ponce said.
Born in Mexico, Ponce will operate from Mexico City, where he lives with his wife, Arlette, and their two young children.