Leadership Overview
LifeWay has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and human resources.
Committed to providing essential church business services and publishing resources, LifeWay advances its mission by equipping believers and congregations through high-quality media and distribution networks across the United States.
Committed to providing essential church business services and publishing resources, LifeWay advances its mission by equipping believers and congregations through high-quality media and distribution networks across the United States.
Leadership Roles at LifeWay
Ryan Blackwell - President & Chief Executive Officer
Ryan Blackwell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at LifeWay, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the alignment of publishing and distribution divisions, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all church business services meet the evolving needs of congregations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the integrity of the Southern Baptist Convention mission. By driving growth across national markets, Ryan Blackwell secures the long-term viability of the company. Blackwell prioritizes the expansion of digital resources to reach broader audiences, ensuring that the organization remains a primary provider of theological content. Through rigorous oversight of corporate initiatives, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains operational excellence and fiscal responsibility, ultimately positioning the company as a leader in the religious media sector while fostering innovation in service delivery.
Cossy Pachares - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Cossy Pachares, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at LifeWay, governs the financial health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing the budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting functions, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures the sustainability of publishing and distribution operations. This leadership role involves providing critical data to the executive team to support informed decision-making regarding new church business services. By managing risk and optimizing revenue streams, Cossy Pachares secures the financial foundation necessary for long-term growth. Pachares directs the fiscal planning for national initiatives, ensuring that resources align with the core mission of the company. Through the implementation of robust financial controls, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency and accountability. Pachares supports the organization by balancing investment in innovation with the need for consistent financial performance across all business units.
Joe Walker - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer
Joe Walker, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at LifeWay, manages the daily execution of publishing and distribution workflows. Overseeing the logistics of church business services, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer optimizes supply chain efficiency to ensure timely delivery of materials to congregations. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts to streamline internal processes and improve service quality. By implementing scalable operational frameworks, Joe Walker directly impacts the productivity of the organization. Walker monitors performance metrics across all regional distribution centers, ensuring that operational standards remain high. Through the integration of advanced technology into existing systems, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall customer experience. Walker maintains a focus on operational agility, allowing the company to respond effectively to market demands while supporting the broader mission of the organization.
Scott Pryjmak - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer
Scott Pryjmak, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at LifeWay, architects the human capital strategy to support the organization's mission. Overseeing talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee engagement, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the goals of the publishing and distribution divisions. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of excellence that attracts and retains top talent within the church business services sector. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Scott Pryjmak drives professional growth and operational efficiency. Pryjmak manages the internal communication strategies that keep staff connected to the broader organizational objectives. Through the development of equitable compensation and benefits structures, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer maintains high levels of employee satisfaction. Pryjmak ensures that the company culture reflects the values of the organization while supporting the diverse needs of the workforce.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding LifeWay Top Executives and Leadership Team
