ADRA Welcomes Two New Vice Presidents

Humanitarian aid agency’s board appoints leaders in strategic engagement and growth, and finance.

October 13, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Jennifer Stymiest, ADRA International

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) announced the appointments of Teresa Ferreira as the new vice president of strategic engagement and growth, and Jair Parada as the new vice president of finance.

Ferreira steps into this new leadership role that includes duties previously held by Matthew Siliga, former vice president for strategic operations and growth, and Derris Krause, former vice president for marketing and development.

On October 12 the ADRA board appointed Jair Parada, new vice president of finance, and Teresa Ferreira, the new vice president of strategic engagement and growth at ADRA International. [Photo: ADRA International]

“We are deeply grateful to Derris for his years of strong leadership and heartfelt dedication,” said Audrey Andersson, ADRA board chair. “His passion for mission and donor engagement has helped to expand ADRA’s impact around the world.”

As Siliga steps into his new role, ADRA leadership is grateful that he will continue to contribute to ADRA International through ongoing involvement in key areas, including committee leadership and an ongoing role with ADRA’s social enterprise, GoodOne Global.

Ferreira brings with her a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership, communications, and faith-based engagement. Most recently she served as director of philanthropy and marketing at ADRA Canada, where she led successful campaigns to elevate ADRA’s visibility and donor growth. Prior to her time at ADRA Canada, Ferreira served as secretary of the Maritime Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada.

“Teresa brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and a deep understanding of the Adventist Church,” said Paulo Lopes, president of ADRA International. “Her commitment to people and the mission of ADRA makes her a strong and compassionate leader for this new era.”

Vice president for Finance

The ADRA board also appointed Jair Parada as the new vice president for finance. Parada succeeds Charne Renou, who accepted a call to serve with Adventist World Radio.

With a strong background in financial management and organizational leadership, Parada has held several key positions within the ADRA network, including finance director for ADRA Mozambique and the ADRA Asia regional office, as well as senior director for finance and director for organizational compliance at ADRA International.

“On behalf of the ADRA board I want to express our enthusiasm for Jair’s appointment as vice president for finance,” said Paul Douglas, ADRA board vice-chair and General Conference treasurer. “We look forward to his strategic leadership and continued dedication to advancing ADRA’s mission. At the same time, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Charne for her exceptional service and commitment. Her professionalism and stewardship have strengthened ADRA’s global impact and financial integrity.”

In addition to Ferreira’s and Parada’s appointments, Imad Madanat, who has served as a vice president for ADRA since 2013, will now take on an expanded role as vice president for humanitarian affairs and excellence. This new portfolio comes as Korey Dowling returns to Australia to serve as general manager for people and culture for the South Pacific Division.

“Imad has demonstrated unwavering dedication to humanitarian excellence,” Andersson said. “While we celebrate this next step in Imad’s journey, we pause to thank Korey for his years of dedication and service to ADRA International and wish him well in this new phase of his ministry.”

Sonya Funna Evelyn will continue in her role as vice president for sustainable development. ADRA leadership has expressed gratitude, as Funna Evelyn has provided stable leadership during a period of funding instability.

As ADRA moves forward with these changes, the organization remains committed to its mission of serving humanity so all may live as God intended. These transitions bring renewed energy and vision to ADRA’s global efforts to build a just world through justice, compassion, and love.

About ADRA

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church serving in 118 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended.

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Development and Relief Agency.