LifeWay Executive and Leadership Team

Ryan Blackwell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at LifeWay, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Blackwell architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the publishing and distribution divisions that serve the Southern Baptist Convention. By aligning corporate objectives with the evolving needs of modern churches, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the delivery of high-quality religious resources. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health and mission integrity. Ryan Blackwell drives the expansion of digital platforms to reach broader audiences across North America. Through the implementation of innovative publishing models, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the company. Blackwell maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every department contributes to the broader goal of supporting church business services and fostering community engagement through faith-based media.

Cossy Pachares, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at LifeWay, manages the financial architecture and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Pachares oversees all accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting functions to ensure the sustainability of publishing and distribution operations. By monitoring revenue streams from church business services, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to support executive decision-making. Cossy Pachares directs the financial planning processes that enable the company to invest in new media technologies and infrastructure. This role requires rigorous oversight of fiscal compliance and risk management across all regional operations. Pachares maintains strong relationships with stakeholders to secure the resources required for long-term growth. Through precise financial analysis and cost-optimization strategies, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization while enabling the pursuit of its core mission.

Joe Walker, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at LifeWay, executes the daily operational workflows that sustain the publishing and distribution business. Walker oversees the logistics, supply chain, and service delivery teams to ensure that church resources reach customers efficiently. By streamlining internal processes, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer improves the speed and reliability of product distribution across the country. Joe Walker directs the integration of new technology into existing service models to enhance the user experience for religious organizations. This leadership role involves coordinating with other C-suite members to align operational capacity with strategic goals. Walker monitors performance metrics to identify areas for efficiency gains within the publishing division. Through the management of complex operational systems, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company maintains its reputation as a premier provider of church business services and faith-based media.

Scott Pryjmak, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at LifeWay, directs the human capital strategy and organizational culture initiatives. Pryjmak oversees talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management systems to ensure the workforce remains aligned with the mission of the company. By fostering a high-performance environment, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer supports the staff responsible for publishing and distribution excellence. Scott Pryjmak architects programs that promote professional growth and leadership development across all departments. This role involves managing compensation structures and benefits to attract top talent in the media and publishing sectors. Pryjmak collaborates with executive leadership to implement organizational changes that improve internal communication and operational agility. Through the cultivation of a mission-driven workplace, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures that the organization retains the expertise necessary to provide high-quality services to churches and religious communities.