On December 11, 2022, the administrative committee of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (NAD) voted to elect Milton Sand as the director of Information Technology Services (ITS) and Michael J. Brown as the director of Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI).
On December 11, 2022, the NAD's administrative committee voted to elect Milton Sand as the new director of Information Technology Services.
Milton Sand, Director of Information Technology Services
Milton Sand began serving at the NAD in 2018 as a senior network administrator. In 2020, he transitioned to the role of associate director of ITS, in charge of the NADcloud, a cloud services system for NAD entities. He looks to continue this work while managing the rest of ITS, including the office and users, and participating in various committees.
“I’m humbly honored that [the NAD administrative committee] asked me to take on this role,” said Sand. “Working for the church gives me a purpose and sense of fulfillment.”
Previously, Sand served as IT director at Universidad Adventista del Plata in Libertador San Martin, Argentina, for nearly 9 years. In 2014, he was appointed associate director of ITS at the Southern Union Conference. Four years later, he was called to the NAD.
Sand was drawn to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) from his youth, so it was only natural that he’d study electronic engineering at the University of Buenos Aires. God also prepared him for mission when he moved from his native Argentina to Berrien Springs, Michigan, for a year after high school to study English at Andrews Academy. “I like challenges. God was preparing me to get comfortable out of my comfort zone,” he said.
Outside of work, Sand enjoys spending time with his family, Mariela, his wife, whom he met in university, and their two daughters. He also loves outdoor activities, especially hiking.
Asked what he’s most looking forward to in this role, Sand stated, “I believe technology is going to be used to spread the gospel everywhere, [unhindered by] territories, boundaries, languages, or cultures. In this new digital world, the church needs to come together and strategically use technology to reach every soul with our message of hope and wholeness. I can’t wait to see how the Lord will bless and multiply our efforts.”
Michael J. Brown, Director of Philanthropic Service for Institutions (PSI)
On December 11, 2022, the NAD's administrative committee voted to elect Michael J. Brown as the new director of Philanthropic Service of Institutions.
Michael J. Brown entered denominational service at the NAD in 2015 and has spearheaded multiple grant programs, including the Model Academy for Philanthropy Program and the Career Opportunities in Philanthropy Program. Presently, he also provides education and training for nonprofit boards and Adventist institutions in the academy, university, media ministry, and social service sectors; conducts fundraising seminars; and provides strategic and donor analytics support for Adventist institutions.
Regarding his new role, Brown said, “It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of this work and this dedicated team. I am most thankful for the opportunity to help philanthropic hearts connect with institutional partners that facilitate people helping other people.”
Before joining the NAD, Brown served as trusted council to several global ministries as a vice-president in multiple fundraising advertising agencies. He also served as senior leadership for a leading Madison Avenue-based direct response agency. Brown has led new product innovation, strategic marketing, and business research efforts for Fortune 500 and Global companies. He is also a speaker and published writer.
Brown's philanthropy toolkit also includes a B.A. in mathematics and computer science from Oakwood University and an MBA in marketing and finance from Tulane University. He is also completing a Ph.D. in leadership from Andrews University.
He first pondered entering nonprofit marketing in the charitable sector while in business school and, over a decade later, was recruited to become the vice-president of a Christian fundraising agency. Brown interviewed, prayed about it, and felt God calling him to serve there, helping ministries like Wycliffe Bible Translators, Moody Bible Institute, and Mercy Ships. “I was so fulfilled [doing that work] that I knew God had called me to make marketing my ministry,” he said.
Family is another priority in Brown’s life. He and his wife, Lauralee, are the proud parents of teen and young adult children, three daughters and one son. In his free time, Brown is an avid Bible Bowl coach, lover of poetry, and enjoys tinkering around on his bass guitar.
Finally, looking to the future of his department, Brown stated, “Our goal [in PSI] is to encourage an increased spirit of generosity—and passionate desire—to invest in Kingdom work both in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the surrounding communities we serve.”