May 19, 2024
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell announced the appointment of Joe Walker as its new executive vice president and Scott Arvay as its new chief operating officer. Lifeway trustees approved Walker and Arvay in their new roles during a special-called board meeting Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Walker, who has served as Lifeway’s chief financial officer since 2017, will continue to serve as CFO as he assumes the newly formed role of executive vice president. Walker will provide oversight of Lifeway’s Legal, Financial and Human Resources areas. Prior to serving as CFO, Walker served as corporate controller for 12 years. He has held various financial positions at Lifeway since 1986.
“Lifeway is fortunate to have an experienced leader like Joe Walker,” Mandrell said. “Joe’s knowledge, wisdom and steady presence helped guide Lifeway through one of its most challenging seasons into a season of financial health.”
A native of Tennessee, Walker is a CPA and holds a bachelor’s degree with a major in accounting from the University of Tennessee, Martin.
“It has been an honor to serve the Lord through Lifeway the past 38 years,” Walker said. “I’m excited to see how He will use Lifeway to serve churches and church leaders in the years ahead.”
Scott Arvay, who joined Lifeway last summer as chief revenue officer, has been named to the new role of chief operating officer. As COO, Arvay will oversee the work of Lifeway’s publishing and church ministry areas, along with Information Technology, Sales, Marketing and Creative.
“Scott Arvay is passionate about our mission and understands the importance of building relationships with church leaders,” Mandrell said. “I’m deeply grateful for his work ethic as well as his understanding of organizational alignment. Lifeway is moving full steam ahead.”
Before coming to Lifeway, Arvay led the global sales and customer support team at Faithlife, the parent brand of the Logos Bible Study software. He has also served in various pastoral and leadership roles within the local church. With nearly 20 years of sales and business development experience, Arvay brings significant experience in sales with software companies, as well as ministry-related businesses.
“It is such a blessing to work alongside such a talented team that cares so deeply for the local church.” Arvay said. “I could not be more excited about the months and years ahead as we focus on empowering church leaders with research and resources to reach the nations.”
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Arvay earned a B.S. and an M.B.A. from Duquesne University and an M.A. in Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary.
Lifeway trustees approved organizational changes with the addition of these new leadership roles during their semiannual meeting held January 29-30 in Phoenix, Arizona. The new organizational structure is designed to support Lifeway’s 2030 Vision and better position the organization to serve church leaders.
“We continue to sharpen our focus on building tools that fuel the ministries of those leading in local churches,” Mandrell said. “I’m so proud of our team at Lifeway and excited to see how we can build on the incredible momentum we’re experiencing right now to better serve church leaders.”
