After 42 years in education—34 of those within the Northern California Conference (NCC)—NCC Vice President of Education Albert Miller has announced his retirement, closing a chapter defined by steady leadership, deep faith, and an unwavering commitment to students and teachers.
A graduate of Rio Lindo Adventist Academy (Class of 1979), Miller earned degrees in Physical Education and Religion from Pacific Union College in 1984. He began his career immediately at Mount Ellis Academy in Montana and later at Hawaiian Mission Academy, teaching PE and Bible at both campuses.
In 1991, then–Rio Lindo principal Dennis Plubell invited him to return to his alma mater to teach Bible and serve as vice principal. He later became principal (1998–2005), then associate superintendent (2005), and ultimately superintendent of schools in 2019, succeeding Bill Keresoma. Even while serving in conference leadership, his heart for the classroom remained evident. “I actually taught Bible class officially from 2010 until 2015,” he shared, adding with a chuckle, “and even occasionally after that.”
Throughout his career, Miller has modeled NCC’s strategic anchors—Community Relevance, Mission-Driven Focus, Engaged and Enthusiastic Employees and Members, and Organizational Health. He is widely recognized as a leader who demonstrates NCC values in both conviction and practice. Year after year, he has connected students, educators, and his team to an abundant life with Jesus Christ, intentionally preparing young people not only for college and career but for Christ’s soon return.
He credits mentors such as Larry Caviness—particularly during seven summers at Leoni Meadows—as influential in calling him to education, while John Collins at Rio Lindo and PUC, along with Dean Maddock at HMA, guided him toward administration.
Reflecting on his time with NCC, he shared, “I’m proud of our education team, where we’ve built a place where teachers and staff know we’re here to support them in whatever way we can. We in the ed department work for the schools, and I believe we provide solid support.”
He attributes that strength to every level of the system—from associate superintendents and principals to teachers and support staff. “And that’s often the principal,” he quipped about emptying trash cans. “I truly believe the Organizational Health process at the NCC is probably the best system I’ve seen in my tenure, and it will increasingly support each person’s dedication to ministry for students—not just academically but in quality administration—and that will enhance how we teach Jesus’ character in all parts of life. I’m proud of our principals and teachers for understanding that we have the privilege and honor of a 180-day-a-year evangelistic program.”
Laurie Trujillo, director of communication and philanthropy and fellow NCC leadership team member, reflected on Miller’s impact:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with him on the NCC leadership team and see him grow as a leader and friend. It is clear Albert cares about education and has been its champion since he started.”
That championship mindset—steady, relational, mission-centered—has shaped not only policy and systems but culture. Under his leadership, the education department has strengthened organizational health, reinforced spiritual intentionality, and supported schools as vibrant centers of ministry.
Jaymes Cheney, NCC treasurer, shared, “As a former school board chair, I really appreciated Albert’s accessibility. He made himself available and was always willing to listen and offer advice, if needed. Now having the opportunity to serve alongside Albert has given me an even greater respect for his leadership throughout our Northern California schools. His genuine desire to see Adventist education flourish through kids, families, and communities connected to an abundant life in Jesus Christ will be missed.”
After more than four decades of service, Albert and Becky, his wife of 41 years, are looking forward to spending additional time with their two daughters’ families and five grandchildren. An avid water-skier, he joked that early morning runs on the lake often doubled as “my morning devotional and hydrotherapy sessions!” And when asked why so many PE majors become principals, his humor surfaced once again: “We know how to set up and take down chairs and project our voices over large areas! But seriously, good PE teachers know how to build teams, work with individuals, and strive to bring out the best in people.”
That ability—to build teams, to bring out the best, and to keep mission at the center—has defined Albert Miller’s leadership. His legacy will continue to echo across classrooms, campuses, and lives changed for eternity.
Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
#nccsda
