CONCORD, CA (October 15, 2013)—The search committee for the next superintendent of the Pacific Southwest Conference plans to begin seeking nominations by the end of October, chair William Davidson said this morning.

The committee consists of the conference executive board, Davidson, and Fil Nesta, pastor of Nueva Esperanza Covenant Church in Pittsburgh, California, and Iglesia La Jornada in Brentwood.

The committee held its initial meeting October 1 at First Covenant Church in Oakland. They expect to narrow the list of candidates on December 14, with interviews to be held in mid-January, Davidson said. The election will be held at the conference’s Annual Meeting next April.

Efrem Smith, who had served as superintendent since 2010, announced in September that he was leaving to become president and CEO of World Impact, a ministry that focuses on urban needs. He started in that position today.

Associate superintendent Wayne Carlson is serving as interim superintendent.

Davidson said the search to fill the other PSWC associate superintendent post will be delayed until after the new superintendent is elected. Greg Yee, who formerly held that job, was elected superintendent of the North Pacific Conference in April.