LifeWay Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

LifeWay has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, marketing, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by a mission to serve churches and individuals, LifeWay provides essential resources and services, fostering spiritual growth and operational excellence across the faith community.

Leadership Roles at LifeWay

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ryan Blackwell
  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Cossy Pachares
  • Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer - Joseph Walker
  • Chief Information Officer - Timothy Hill
  • Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer - Cynthia Phillips
  • Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer - Scott Pryjmak
  • Ryan Blackwell - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Blackwell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at LifeWay, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. Blackwell guides the company's mission to serve churches and individuals through publishing and distribution, ensuring alignment with the Southern Baptist Convention's objectives. This leadership role involves overseeing all major divisions and driving growth initiatives across the media and church services sectors. Blackwell's focus remains on enhancing LifeWay's market position and impact within the faith-based community. The President & Chief Executive Officer ensures robust financial health and sustainable expansion. By championing innovation, Ryan Blackwell propels LifeWay forward, solidifying its role as a key provider of Christian resources and business services.
    Ryan Blackwell

    Cossy Pachares - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Cossy Pachares, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at LifeWay, directs the financial strategy and fiscal management for the organization. Pachares oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, accounting, and investment, ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of LifeWay. This executive position involves managing financial risks and identifying opportunities for profitable growth within the publishing and distribution sectors. The Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures compliance with financial regulations and provides critical insights to support strategic decision-making. By maintaining rigorous financial oversight, Cossy Pachares safeguards the company's assets and supports its mission to serve churches and individuals. Pachares's financial acumen drives fiscal responsibility and growth.
    Cossy Pachares

    Joseph Walker - Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer

    Joseph Walker, the Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer at LifeWay, manages the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the seamless execution of business processes across the company. Walker oversees supply chain management, distribution logistics, and internal operational efficiencies critical to LifeWay's publishing and distribution division. This role involves optimizing resource allocation and streamlining workflows to support the organization's mission effectively. The Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational strategies align with LifeWay's commitment to serving churches and individuals with high-quality resources. By driving operational excellence, Joseph Walker enhances the company's capacity to deliver products and services reliably. Walker's leadership guarantees efficient and effective business operations.
    Joseph Walker

    Timothy Hill - Chief Information Officer

    Timothy Hill, the Chief Information Officer at LifeWay, architects the technology infrastructure and digital strategy supporting the company's publishing and distribution operations. Hill oversees the development and implementation of IT systems that enhance efficiency and user experience for both internal teams and external customers. This critical role involves managing data security, cloud services, and digital platforms essential for LifeWay's business services. The Chief Information Officer ensures technological advancements align with the organization's mission to serve churches and individuals effectively. By driving digital transformation, Timothy Hill enables seamless access to LifeWay's resources and strengthens its distribution network. Hill's leadership ensures robust, scalable, and secure technological solutions.
    Timothy Hill

    Cynthia Phillips - Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer

    Cynthia Phillips, the Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer at LifeWay, drives the brand strategy and market outreach for the organization's diverse portfolio of products and services. Phillips oversees all marketing campaigns, digital engagement, and customer relationship management initiatives, ensuring LifeWay's message resonates with churches and individuals. This leadership position involves analyzing market trends and developing innovative strategies to expand reach and deepen engagement. The Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer ensures cohesive brand messaging across all publishing and distribution channels. By enhancing market presence, Cynthia Phillips directly supports LifeWay's mission to provide essential Christian resources. Phillips's expertise cultivates strong customer loyalty and drives revenue growth through effective promotion.
    Cynthia Phillips

    Scott Pryjmak - Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer

    Scott Pryjmak, the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at LifeWay, leads the human resources strategy and talent management initiatives for the organization. Pryjmak oversees employee relations, organizational development, and workforce planning, ensuring LifeWay attracts, retains, and develops a high-performing team. This role is crucial for fostering a positive and productive work environment that supports the company's mission. The Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer ensures that people strategies align with LifeWay's values and business objectives, supporting its role in serving churches and individuals. By championing employee well-being and professional growth, Scott Pryjmak cultivates a strong organizational culture. Pryjmak's leadership enhances employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
    Scott Pryjmak

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding LifeWay Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads LifeWay?
    LifeWay is led by Ryan Blackwell (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cossy Pachares (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Joseph Walker (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of LifeWay’s executive team?
    The executive team of LifeWay includes leaders such as Ryan Blackwell (President & Chief Executive Officer), Cossy Pachares (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Joseph Walker (Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does LifeWay have?
    LifeWay has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in LifeWay’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of LifeWay includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Senior VP & Chief Marketing Officer.