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Celebrating Chris Johnson:
A Legacy of Leadership, Service, and Commitment

After 14.5 years of exemplary service to Denver Seminary, Chris Johnson, Vice President of Advancement, will transition from his current role on June 30 to serve in a new capacity as a trusted advisor, offering ongoing counsel and support to President Mark Husbands.

Throughout his tenure, Chris has been a visionary leader and faithful steward of Denver Seminary’s mission, strengthening our ability to prepare men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. His leadership in Advancement has not only enhanced the Seminary’s financial health but has also forged vital connections across our donor community, faculty, alumni, and ministry partners.

Under Chris’s guidance and through God’s abundant provision, Denver Seminary has raised more than $80 million to support its programs, endowments, scholarships, and capital initiatives. A key architect of the “Seminary of the Future” campaign, Chris has helped secure $19.5 million in cash gifts and $8.3 million in planned estate gifts toward our $23 million goal—an effort that ensures the Seminary remains accessible, affordable, and transformational for generations to come.

“Chris has been a model of humility, integrity, and grace—a genuinely warm, caring, and godly leader,” shared President Mark Husbands. “His dedication, strategic vision, and personal investment in the lives of our donors and community have moved Denver Seminary forward in extraordinary ways. His influence will continue to shape our mission and future.”

Chris reflects on this transition with gratitude:

“Serving Denver Seminary has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I have worked alongside colleagues and friends who share a deep love for Christ and a passion for transforming lives through theological education and mentoring. As I step into a new season, I look forward to remaining deeply connected as a donor and friend,” adding, “I’ve had the joy and honor of working with Dr. Mark Young for many years. I have also deeply appreciated the chance to serve under our new president, Dr. Mark Husbands, and have the utmost confidence as he leads the Seminary into its next chapter of gospel-centered impact”

While Chris will soon embark on new professional opportunities in the business world, his legacy remains woven into the fabric of Denver Seminary. In this next season, he will work closely with President Husbands to support the Seminary’s advancement efforts and continue nurturing strong, lasting relationships with alumni, donors, ministry leaders, and friends of the institution.

Please join us in celebrating Chris’s faithful leadership and in praying for him and his family as they enter this new chapter. Denver Seminary remains deeply committed to building on the foundation Chris has helped establish—equipping faithful leaders, expanding global reach, and advancing the cause of Christ with excellence, grace, and conviction.

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Honoring Debbie Kellar:
A Legacy of Faithful Stewardship

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Debbie Kellar, Vice President of Finance and Campus Operations, will retire on June 30. Since joining the Seminary in 2000, Debbie has shaped the institution’s operational foundation, establishing business strategy and process. She has worked diligently to demonstrate Christ-centered stewardship.

Debbie’s journey at Denver Seminary began as Director of Finance, followed by roles as Associate Vice President of Finance and, since 2011, Vice President of Finance. Her comprehensive oversight of finance, human resources, facilities, information technology, and risk management has been pivotal in making Denver Seminary what it is today.

Her impact extends well beyond our campus borders. Through her service on the board of directors of the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC), the In Trust Center, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) CFO Coalition, and as a member of several professional organizations, including the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Debbie has made a significant impact upon Christian Higher Education, and beyond. Additionally, Kellar has participated as a peer reviewer on several Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Commission on Accrediting site visits.

Throughout my career here, I have had the privilege of working alongside talented and passionate colleagues, and together we have achieved many significant milestones such as the building of and moving to a new campus and significant growth from a $2M to $15M operating budget and endowment of $500,000 to over $50M,” said Debbie. “I am proud of the progress we have made in enhancing the financial stability and operational efficiency of the seminary. I would especially like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Board of Trustees, the administration, faculty, staff, and students for their unwavering support and collaboration over the years. Denver Seminary has been more than just a workplace to me; it has been a community where I have forged lasting friendships and cherished memories.

Denver Seminary President Mark Husbands added to this sentiment: “Debbie has been a dedicated member of the Executive Leadership Council, contributing many years of committed service to the Seminary. Her presence, persistence, and genuine faith have touched every corner of the Seminary. We are deeply grateful for her decades of service to our mission. The solid foundation she leaves provides not just stability but extraordinary potential for future growth and kingdom impact.”

As Debbie prepares for this new chapter in her life’s journey, the entire Denver Seminary community joins in celebrating her legacy of steadfast commitment and faithful service that will continue to bear fruit for generations to come.

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