Propelled with Purpose

Throughout his 31 years at AdventHealth, becoming CEO of a major health system was not necessarily a role David Banks aspired to hold, but his leadership roles in hospital administration, divisional oversight, and as chief strategy officer prepared him well when the CEO opportunity emerged. For Banks, the timing aligned with where he was in life and career — and where the organization was heading.

“I'm really grateful to work with a mission-driven board of directors and AdventHealth team, and to have the partnership of our sponsor organization, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, within our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ through whole-person care," said Banks. "For me and many others at the organization, I see the ways Adventist education prepared us for today's work, which requires a strong foundation."

Banks regularly meets with leaders, caregivers, the board, and team members in the service of AdventHealth's mission. He invests time connecting with church sponsors, who are an essential part of AdventHealth, and talks with team members to ensure the company is advancing its mission, meeting industry needs, and advocating for those they serve who need access to care, ranging from rural to more populated communities.

Originally from Sonora, Calif., Banks immersed himself in the world of health care from a young age. His mother began working at the local Adventist hospital, which marked the beginning of a new direction for his family. They started attending the local Adventist church and academy, and his sisters began working in Adventist education. "Our family got involved within the three pillars of Adventist subculture: church, education, and health," said Banks. His first job was at the local community hospital, sweeping sidewalks and mowing lawns. His parents also worked there; his mother worked the switchboard, and his father worked in maintenance.

“That was my first job in health care,” said Banks. “At the time, I thought of it as simply a summer job. Looking back, I see how that job was one of many ways the Adventist Church changed the trajectory of my family, as we found a place within a larger purpose and community — giving our lives meaning and direction. Some people would describe that work as simply mowing lawns, but I saw it as a way to give back and to become involved within the fabric of the church community.”

After graduating from high school, he attended PUC without question­­—as it was the “pathway of the Banks family.” Having a sister who was 10 years older, he remembered dropping her off at PUC when he was a kid and thought, “It was the most amazing campus ever.” Banks said, “Academically, socially, spiritually, there were so many benefits coming out of PUC and seeing the benefits for my sister—I knew I had to get there.” In 1982, he officially became a Pioneer, and his time at the college “did not disappoint.”

Majoring in social work, Banks had extraordinarily supportive professors across departments, including Evaline West, Aubyn Fulton, and Greg Schneider, who all had a professional impact on him by testing his interest in the field and offering “intellectually stimulating” classes. He also mentioned having great history professors and resident deans, recalling PUC as “a really fun campus to be a part of,” and strengthening his spiritual life by living in a positive environment and guidance from Roger Bothwell, the campus pastor at the time.

Throughout his underclassman years, Banks worked the grounds, as it was second nature to him, and spent a year as a missionary in Korea, teaching English and Bible studies to students. West inspired Banks to become a student missionary after seeing his potential and, unbeknownst to Banks, advocated for him to go on this mission trip. Despite Banks describing himself as not being “a very good student” and still navigating his spiritual life, West knew, through interactions and experiences, that he would find his way. "And she was right,” said Banks. After living in a different country, connecting with others, and gaining perspective, being a missionary provided him with a foundation for spiritual, social, and academic growth.
Being a student missionary gave Banks a critical perspective when he returned to PUC and began working as a house parent for six 9-year-old boys who were wards of the state. Continuing his education in social work, this work experience provided Banks with significant exposure to the foster care world—a valuable lifelong experience.

During his senior year, Banks gained more leadership experience by working for the state senator at a nonprofit organization. This experience sparked his interest in working in the not-for-profit sector and in supporting service organizations committed to creating positive impact within society.

A favorite memory Banks has from his time at PUC was dating his now-wife, Janice (Lang) Banks. Although they were classmates at Monterey Bay Academy, they did not start dating until college. After graduating from PUC in 1987, they married, and Banks went on to earn his master’s degree in nonprofit administration from the University of Maryland's School of Social Work.

Banks credits PUC for preparing him for his graduate work at the University of Maryland, a top-15 social work school in the country at the time. Earning his master’s degree enabled him to secure his first healthcare role at a psychiatric hospital, which led to other opportunities, starting on the patient units and progressing to becoming the psychiatric hospital's CEO, then the CEO of medical-surgery.

Now, as CEO of AdventHealth, Banks serves as its chief proponent of its faith-based mission. “Life gets real in a health crisis. What’s amazing about what we get to do is even when medical treatment runs out, being a faith-based Adventist institution means we can continue the conversation. When the medical conversation ends, the larger conversation continues around life, what happens next, and peace — being part of something bigger. That’s really meaningful.”

“PUC gave me my future,” Banks continued. “Good university experience teaches you how to think, not what to think. During my first two years, I was not a good student. After missions, I became a completely different student. PUC gave me that opportunity. Trying to figure my way during my freshman and sophomore years, PUC gave me time to figure it out. Gave me a year away to grow up. Then, I came back to focused academic experiences in classrooms and field experiences that launched me into grad school. The PUC experience integrated social, spiritual, and academic formation—offered in the best geography and climate.”

To this day, Banks carries many valuable lessons from his time at PUC. As a student, he worked full-time to pay for his tuition, which instilled a work-hard, high-expectations mindset for academic work. His experiences at PUC taught him to be resourceful, manage time, and get things done. “It also showed my future wife that I could do laundry, cook, and more as part of my work at the group home,” he humorously added.

From studying higher education and having dedicated professors, PUC helped shape who Banks is today. “PUC gave me life and academic experiences,” he said. “It was an amazing, well-rounded experience that, as Janice and I left and graduated, we were prepared to go into the world. PUC did that.”

A Journey From Struggle to Advocacy

When Tabitha Phiri and her young sons arrived in Canada in 1997, she had no idea the struggles ahead would shape her lifelong mission: advocating for immigrant women. Fleeing political instability in Zimbabwe, she sought safety and a future. Burman University (then Canadian Union College) became more than an academic institution—it became a place of transformation, faith, and resilience.

Phiri’s journey to Burman was unexpected. Initially considering SDA universities worldwide, she ultimately chose Burman University for its affordability and accessible admission process. However, shortly after arriving, the financial sponsorship she had been promised fell through, leaving her without support.
“The first two years were a nightmare,” she recalls. “I couldn’t even afford a 98 cent packet of salt.”

Overwhelmed by financial hardship, she contemplated returning to Zimbabwe but had no means to do so. “I learned to pour my heart out to God,” Phiri says. During one of her lowest moments, when she told her sons they might have to return to Zimbabwe, her youngest reminded her, “Mom, have you forgotten that God is with us?” That moment hit her hard, but it also strengthened her resolve to keep going.

A turning point came when then-finance manager, Debra Chenowith, called her into the office. Expecting bad news, Phiri was instead met with kindness. Mrs. Chenowith held her hand, prayed for her, and then presented her with news of financial assistance that cleared her debts, covered tuition, and provided for her children. What a blessing and to this day, Phiri does not know where the money came from!
“That life-changing moment shaped my passion to serve others like me. Burman didn’t just give me an education; it gave me hope.”

As an adult learner, Phiri found unwavering support from professors who helped shape her path. Beyond academics, Burman’s emphasis on faith and service solidified her desire to give back. “The prayers at the start of each class reminded me that Christ is at the centre of education,” she says. That belief fueled her purpose beyond the classroom.

Despite earning a Canadian degree, Phiri struggled to secure a high-skilled job that met immigration requirements. In 2002, her passport expired, leaving her out-of-status. Facing deportation, she appealed to the Minister of Immigration and was granted a visa despite not having a valid passport. This personal battle deepened her empathy for out-of-status immigrant women facing similar hardships.

While completing her master’s degree from Loma Linda University on the Burman University campus, she began working at the Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association (CAIWA), where she encountered women trapped in abusive relationships, their legal status used against them. Through counseling, legal advocacy, and housing support, she helped hundreds escape violence and gain permanent residency.

Recently, Phiri was recognized with the Newcomer Champion Award at the Alberta Immigrant Impact Awards. While she did not expect this honour, she is grateful to know that the Ministry of Immigration and Multiculturalism values not only the workers, but also the people they serve.
"This award makes me realize that someone is paying attention, listening, watching, and appreciating," Phiri says. This fuels her spirit to continue dedicating herself to supporting and empowering immigrant women.

From a place of uncertainty to a life of advocacy, Phiri’s journey is a powerful reminder that challenges can shape, rather than define, our future. What began as a personal struggle has become a lifelong mission—one that continues to uplift and advocate for the most vulnerable."

Carley "Elle" Cole-Cavins - Nonprofit Founder & Media Strategist

Field: Healthcare Advocacy/Media

Achievement: Podcast producer and media strategist. Hosts "The Cleverly Changing Homeschool Podcast" (ranked #3 on Feedspot's Top 20). Produces VitaminSC3 Podcast amplifying sickle cell patient stories. Bronze Congressional Award recipient. Featured on NPR, ABC 7, BBC World Service Radio, Good Morning Washington.

Reference:

• https://www.southern.edu/advancement/alumni/alumni-awards/honoredalumni.html

Jarrod Denton - Architecture Founder

Field: Architecture

Achievement: Partner and founder at Signum Architecture, LLP. Launched firm in St. Helena (2011), relocated to Napa (2023). Specializes in holistic architecture and low-carbon construction.

Reference:

• https://www.puc.edu/news/archives/2025/puc-alumni-jarrod-denton-moves-architecture-firm-to-napa

Marci Knauft - Special Education Leader

Field: Education/Special Education

Achievement: Elementary education graduate who became special education teacher and high school principal working with at-risk students for 19 years. Earned master's degree in students at risk from WWU (2003).

Reference:

• https://www.wallawalla.edu/alumni/wwu-alumni-association/alumni-of-the-year/2023