Category: News
Vice President Retires After Distinguished Service
After four years of dedicated service to Central Seminary, Vice President of Finance and Administration Scott Wedel will retire on July 3, 2026. During his tenure, Wedel’s steady leadership, financial expertise, and commitment to excellence strengthened the seminary’s operational foundation and supported its mission of preparing leaders for ministry and service.
Since joining the Central community, Wedel has provided strategic oversight of the seminary’s financial and administrative operations, helping ensure strong stewardship of resources while advancing the institution’s long-term vision. Known for his thoughtful leadership style and collaborative spirit, he worked closely with the Board of Directors, President, Leadership Team, Faculty, and Staff to maintain financial stability and operational efficiency.
Wedel directed all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, and annual audits. He helped implement clear processes for financial oversight and reporting that strengthened transparency and accountability across the institution. His leadership ensured successful audits and compliance with accreditation reporting requirements, while providing consistent financial guidance to senior leadership and board committees.
He also led the seminary’s annual budgeting process, working with academic and administrative departments to align financial planning with institutional priorities. His careful analysis and strategic insight helped leadership evaluate new academic programs and initiatives while maintaining financial sustainability.
In addition to his financial leadership, Wedel oversaw a wide range of administrative responsibilities. He served as liaison with banking partners, insurance providers, technology vendors, and facilities management, helping ensure that the seminary’s operational infrastructure functioned effectively. He also guided the management and renewal of employee benefits, supported improvements in financial workflows and reporting systems, and strengthened policies designed to ensure sound financial controls and risk management. Finally, Wedel provided strategic leadership in advancing the seminary’s technology systems by strengthening network security, expanding classroom capabilities, and managing technology risk.
Wedel also played a key role in guiding Central Seminary through its 2025 transition to a right-sized campus, aligning the institution’s physical footprint with the realities of its largely online student body. His leadership helped steward the sale of the underused Shawnee, Kansas facility and the move to a more efficient space in Overland Park, Kansas, allowing the seminary to direct resources toward its expanding digital learning environment and global student community.
“Vice President Wedel’s financial and operational leadership has brought focus and clarity to Central’s financial picture and helped ensure the continued viability of the seminary,” said John Pauls, member of the Board of Directors and chair of the Finance Committee. “I wish him the best in his retirement.”
“Vice President Wedel has provided thoughtful and steady leadership during his time at Central,” said President Pam Durso. “He has been a trusted advisor to me and has approached every challenge with integrity, pragmatism, and a commitment to helping others succeed. His willingness to coach colleagues in financial matters, share his considerable expertise, and foster collaborative relationships has made a lasting impact across the organization, and his financial insight, operational discipline, and genuine care for people have strengthened our institution and positioned us well for the future.”
Prior to joining Central, Wedel served in executive leadership roles including Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. He also held numerous leadership positions at Sprint, guiding teams responsible for sales support, network operations, and international telecommunications initiatives.
As Wedel enters retirement, the Central community expresses deep gratitude for his faithful service and the lasting contributions he has made to the institution’s mission and future.