On Monday, May 18, 2026, Kory Pence was elected executive director of Communications for The Wesleyan Church by the 15th General Conference. The election is for a four-year term and will begin at the rise of General Conference, following years of faithful leadership by Janelle Vernon, former executive director of Communication and Administration.
Pence has 25 years of experience as an executive creative leader who drives brand clarity, organizational alignment and audience engagement for mission-driven organizations. He has served as vice president for Creative Impact at Oklahoma Wesleyan University for seven years. A collaborative leader, Kory values building trust and strengthening community around a shared purpose. Throughout his career, he has helped nonprofits, universities and mission-driven organizations clarify their message and inspire meaningful engagement.
Pence’s Wesleyan roots run deep, shaping his calling and his care for the mission of the church and the people it serves. Raised in a Wesleyan pastor’s home and a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University, he carries a lifelong desire to help the church communicate with authenticity and purpose. He previously served at The Wesleyan Church Headquarters for more than 16 years in communication and design leadership roles. Kory holds a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from Indiana Wesleyan University and a Master of Fine Arts in design from Marywood University.
In his new role serving communications and creative strategy for The Wesleyan Church, Pence states, Part of becoming ONE is learning to better see and share what God is already doing among us. I want to listen first, learn from our people, and help share stories that connect our global Wesleyan family around the mission of Jesus. My hope is that our communication reflects a Spirit-filled, deeply hopeful, outward-facing Church.
He and his wife, Kristen, have two young daughters. Kristen has served as a worship leader and teacher, and together they are grateful to serve the church.
Beth Gormong is administrative assistant for Wesleyan Publishing House.
