We have a story to tell in Potomac Conference Corporation, and our primary role within the Department of Communication is to enlist the members and leaders in the task of telling that story together. Not only are we pleased to share the initiatives and priorities of the conference administration, but with over 41,500 members, close to 200 congregations, and 16 schools, our greatest joy is to tell the story of the incredible activity of God in the lives of those who are being touched and changed. That’s a big job, but it’s the best in the world. In addition, the Visitor is the Columbia Union periodical that we use in conjunction with the website to share the stories from around the Potomac Conference Corporation. Potomac People is our section within the magazine, and it’s a wonderful way to stay in touch with news from around the conference. If you are a member with news or photos to share about action that strengthens the local church and improves the health of our congregations, please email us at communication@pcsda.org.
Communication Team
Debra Anderson
Director of Communication /Assistant to the President
Office Ext. 1201
Debra Anderson’s professional background includes a 20-year career in radio and television and 15 years of executive communications on Capitol Hill. She has worked as a radio news and evening anchor, talk show host and television news analyst. Prior to accepting her position with Potomac, Debra served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for the 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Anderson is married to Paul, the current Director of Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries for the North American Division.
Richard Castillo
Director of Media
Office. Ext. 1200
Richard Castillo brings a wealth of practical skills, experience, and a passion for communication to the Potomac Conference. Before his current role, he served as the Pastor for Media and Outreach at Sligo Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland. After serving at Sligo Church, Richard answered the call to education and became the Vice President for Integrated Marketing and Communication at Washington Adventist University. Before entering the ministry, Castillo spent nearly a decade in the corporate world with the country’s largest media corporation, gaining diverse expertise. He also ran his own design and photography business for many years. Fueled by a deep love for Jesus Christ and unwavering loyalty to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Castillo uses his talents to strengthen ministry efforts and grow God’s Kingdom. Richard is married to Kara Castillo, a talented educator, and they have two wonderful daughters, Makayla (20) and Maya (15).
The Visitor
Have a story idea or interested in writing for the Visitor? Great! Email communication@pcsda.org. The Visitor requires high quality photo graphs, so be sure to pull out that camera! At least one quote must be present in an article, followed by the individual’s name and title.
Example 1:“I had a wonderful Sabbath,” said Barbara Sharon, member of the Howardsville Seventh-day Adventist Church. Example 2: “We were delighted with how many people attended this event,” said Dan Johnson, pastor of the Nellyford church. “We hope to do a follow-up event soon.”
The Columbia Union Visitor is a 48-page, full-color news magazine for members of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is circulated to 55,000 households in the Allegheny East, Allegheny West, Chesapeake, Mountain View, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Potomac conferences.
Are you not receiving the Visitor or receiving more than one? Please contact Claudya Barrientos at claudyab@pcsda.org.
Leader2Leader
Leader2Leader is the monthly enewsletter designed specifically for our pastoral and educational leaders around the Potomac Conference Corporation. It contains updates on tithe, professions of faith, and membership, news about upcoming or recent events, and general communication from conference administration.
Communication Corner
Partner with us in telling about God’s work in the conference. Become a conference news reporter or simply get the news from our news mailing list. It’s simple! Email us at communication@pcsda.org. Below is a book that can help kick start the communication at your church!
