Ken Miller

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
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Thanks to the generosity of a planned gift through the Northern California Conference, two transformative projects are making a lasting difference for students and schools across the conference—strengthening campuses, expanding meaningful opportunities, and investing in young people as they grow, learn, and prepare for lives of purpose.

One project expanded a multi-campus hybrid school. Sacramento Adventist Academy and El Dorado Adventist School partnered to pilot a hybrid learning model. Sacramento Academy offered its Algebra I class to eighth-grade students, while El Dorado facilitated participation across campuses. The project included remodeled classrooms, electronic tools for live broadcasts, and other technological upgrades so students could learn together, even when they weren’t in the same building.

The program successfully launched, with one class operating and five students completing Algebra I through the hybrid approach. Principals from both schools worked closely to manage the program and navigate potential issues. They are laying the groundwork for future growth.
The second project focused on improving student living spaces at Rio Lindo Academy. Seed funding allowed for the start of a dormitory room remodel, creating more welcoming spaces for boarding students. Nine dormitory rooms were renovated, providing students with a tangible improvement to their daily lives and reinforcing the school’s commitment to a supportive campus environment.

Though different in scope, both projects reflect a shared commitment to students. By improving how they learn and where they live, this support continues to strengthen the foundation of Adventist education across the conference.

Featured in Northern Lights, March 26, 2026
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By Daniel Javes and Miriam Lens

Centro de Esperanza at the Hayward Spanish Church was already serving families when additional support from an individual donor through the Northern California Conference enabled the ministry to expand into a dedicated space. This expansion strengthened the ministry’s capacity, providing a welcoming, organized environment where practical assistance and Christ-centered care could be offered more consistently and effectively.

The ministry’s progress has been intentional rather than dramatic. Growth has followed a thoughtful plan. Some areas are showing strong momentum; others are still developing. Building trust within vulnerable communities takes time. Training volunteers, organizing systems, and refining case management processes requires steady leadership. Centro de Esperanza is celebrating progress while remaining realistic about the work still ahead.

In 2025, a bilingual Community Forum on Immigration welcomed 91 participants. Attorneys and trained representatives provided guidance on immigration processes and individual rights. At the conclusion of the forum, 300 “Know Your Rights” Red Cards were distributed. These cards summarize constitutional protections and outline practical steps individuals can take if questioned by immigration authorities.

Health education has become one of the ministry’s most encouraging areas of development. On September 13, bilingual nutrition workshops reached 280 participants. Representatives from Alameda County and Kaiser Permanente partnered in delivering instruction on disease prevention, healthy living, and family wellness. In December, an additional healthy eating and recipe workshop served 60 adults, reinforcing practical habits that support long-term well-being.

Food distribution remains the ministry’s most consistent and visible expression of care. Each Wednesday, about 310 families receive groceries through the Centro de Esperanza food bank. An additional $1,000 in emergency financial support was given out to cover urgent needs. In November and December, 388 families received Thanksgiving food baskets. In December alone, 350 families received $50 grocery gift cards.

The ministry has strengthened its internal structure by introducing structured case management and referral services to assist families with utilities, public benefits, and healthcare access. In the initial phase, five families received intensive support, laying the groundwork for broader services. But challenges remain: anxiety and fear in the served community, limited funding, volunteer capacity, and the creation of a culture of generosity. Through persistent dedication, ministry members continue to serve families and recently celebrated seven baptisms, reflecting growth that is both spiritual and practical.

Featured in Northern Lights, February 26, 2026
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