Meet the Director
About Dr. Paulo Macena
Dr. Paulo Macena was born and raised in Brazil and has served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 25 years in Canada and the United States. He is the founder of the Adventist Leadership Institute and the Urban Life Center, a center of influence located in downtown Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to his current role, Dr. Macena served as Youth Ministries Director for nearly eight years in the New Jersey Conference.
In January 2022, he was appointed as the Director of Leadership for the North American Division (NAD) of Seventh-day Adventists — becoming the first to serve in this newly established role. The NAD Leadership Office exists to develop and deliver focused leadership content and curriculum that equips current and future leaders across the division.
Dr. Macena holds a degree from UNASP – Campus 1 in Brazil, a Master of Arts in Youth Ministry, and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) in Leadership, both from Andrews University. He is also a certified coach, speaker, trainer, and teacher with the John Maxwell Team, and he holds a Leadership Principles Certificate from Harvard Business School Online.
He is the author of two books: The Missing Power: Experiencing Pentecost and The Mentorship Guide.
Dr. Macena is married to Cristina Macena, who manages the Urban Life Center. Together, they have two daughters, Luisa and Paula.
Outside of his leadership work, he enjoys playing soccer, walking on the beach, and drinking his favorite juice blend — pineapple and orange. His favorite leadership quote is by Abraham Lincoln: “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”
This quote reflects his deep belief that preparation is essential for leading in an ever-changing world and diverse culture.
Dr. Macena’s personal mission is simple yet profound: “To lead for eternity.”
Subscribe to our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news, blog posts, live events etc.
© Adventist Leadership. All Rights Reserved.