ABOUT

It’s the people of WAF that bring its ministry to life.

Together, we combine our vision with a wealth of expertise that makes for a powerful combination. Each of WAF’s senior staff has an average of twenty years of experience in this industry.

Robert “Bob” Bauman, MHA
CEO and President

Born and raised an Adventist, Robert Bauman has travelled the world with his parents, who were missionaries in Nigeria. They enjoyed being able to find an Adventist institution and someone they knew everywhere they went, and Robert now considers it a privilege to work for a worldwide organization.

In 2014, Bauman entered his role at Western Adventist Foundation with experience in mortgage fraud investigation, owning and operating multiple businesses, strategic management, marketing, and research analysis. His years of experience in hospitals, health care organizations, and elder care, coupled with his love for real estate, was a good combination and made him an excellent fit for WAF.

He enjoys the WAF team—a group of intelligent people committed to the foundation’s mission—and he loves managing the Trust Deed fund of investments, which includes real estate inspections and ROI management.

“Sometimes we are unprepared for the financial issues that life throws our way. It is satisfying to help people gain an understanding of investments and plan for future events in their lives.”

Yvonne Navarro

Corporate Secretary/Trust Director/General Counsel

Yvonne (Bonnie) Navarro has over 33 years of experience in estate planning and trust administration. She is an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania and California, and she is also a registered In-House Counsel in Arizona. Before joining denominational employment, Bonnie practiced privately, focusing on estate planning and administration. Her extensive experience provides her with a deep understanding of drafting estate planning documents and the complexities of administering and distributing assets.

As In-House Counsel, Navarro oversees and coordinates Trust Officer activities, manages the Charitable Gift Annuity program and state licensing, reviews documents both before and after drafting, and serves as a resource for the staff. Her role ensures compliance, efficiency, and high standards in all trust and gift operations.

For over eight years, Navarro served as the Planned Giving Director for an SDA media ministry, working closely with donors to develop and implement planned gifts. She is a licensed attorney and a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving. For 16 years, she has also served as the Pacific Union Planned Giving and Trust Services Director, providing in-service education for Trust Services personnel and consulting with Pacific Union staff on planned giving instruments.

Over her career, she has presented seminars for board members, potential donors, and Trust Services professionals at both local and national levels. Navarro’s greatest joy is helping donors fulfill their wishes to advance God’s work through their planned gifts. “It’s incredibly rewarding to guide donors,” said Navarro, “as they turn their passions and legacy into something that will further God’s mission for years to come.”

Adam Straub, MBA
Chief Financial Officer

Adam Straub’s career began during high school summers, working in construction alongside his grandfather. He went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Andrews University, which led him to join the Western Adventist Foundation as an accounts payable clerk. Inspired by his family's dedication to the church, Adam embarked on a career devoted to faith-based financial stewardship.

With over 14 years at the Western Adventist Foundation, Adam has advanced through several key roles. His experience spans trust accounting, managing substantial investments, and overseeing payroll operations. His dedication and expertise led him to earn a trust certification from the North American Division in 2017, a Master’s in Business Administration in 2021, and a recent certification as a Planned Giving Specialist. In 2024, he assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer, continuing his commitment to the foundation’s financial health and mission.

“Financial work for the church isn’t just about numbers; it’s about supporting a mission,” Straub said. “We help safeguard resources that impact lives, ensuring the church can continue its work and ministry for generations to come.”

Currently based in Phoenix, Adam enjoys life with his wife and two Goldendoodles. His work reflects a deep commitment to both his professional and personal values, balancing his role in financial oversight with the influence of his parents and grandfather, whose legacies in service continue to inspire his own.

Vanessa Priano
Treasurer

Vanesa Priano is a dedicated accounting professional and certified public accountant (CPA) with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Universidad Nacional de Entre Rios in Argentina. She successfully completed the Uniform CPA Examinations, demonstrating proficiency across all core areas, and holds CPA equivalency in Argentina. Bilingual in Spanish and English, Priano brings a strong work ethic, confidence in her accounting skills, and a passion for continuous learning to every role.

With extensive experience in various accounting and tax preparation roles, Priano has developed expertise in individual, trust, and corporate tax preparation. She has worked with Arizona CPA Services, where she refined her skills in tax preparation and client service.

Outside of her professional life, Priano is a devoted wife and mother of two. She enjoys spending quality time with her family and finds peace and inspiration in nature. “Being Treasurer at WAF allows me to directly support the foundation’s mission,” said Priano, “ensuring the financial integrity needed to sustain our faith-driven initiatives and make a meaningful impact on our community.”

James H. Brown, MBA, CSPG
Assistant to the President

It was a layoff from manufacturing that led James to his first financial position. By chance he learned of an interview opportunity, and two weeks later he was offered a job he knew almost nothing about. It didn't take him long to fall in love with sharing his business talent with the church.

Over the years, Brown has collected years of experience within the church as controller, treasurer, associate director, manager of a foundation managing assets close to $500M, and eventually, vice president of Western Adventist Foundation. He transitioned into the role of CEO in 2001, retiring from that role in 2024.

Brown sees what he does as being all about the people. He enjoys assisting others, doing what he can for their comfort, and committing to caring the same for someone with $10,000 as he would for someone with $10,000,000.

"I have been told that I am a good listener, and I always follow through and do what I say I will do. Growing up I have had many different types of experiences that have helped me to be familiar with and capable of discussing many different topics. Individuals have greater trust in someone who has been in their shoes."

Nancy Orona
HR Director/Officer Manager

Nancy Orona came to Western Adventist Foundation after 14 years working at the State Bar of Arizona, where she developed her management skills, honed her professionalism, and solidified her great work ethic. Her passion, though, is in helping employees develop skills to enhance their job knowledge and performance, which in turn benefits both the employee’s career and the company.

This passion translates well into her work, as during her career Nancy has reduced turnover through effective recruitment techniques and coaching, increased employee engagement, and was recognized as an “innovative generalist” in a non-profit company of over 100 employees.

Orona is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management, and she takes her dedication to her field seriously. She feels strongly that she must be trustworthy, fair, and consistent, and must demonstrate to employees that she has their best interest at heart. It’s important to her that employees trust her, and feel comfortable approaching her. She enjoys working with people, being an advocate, and being the company’s face of fairness, balance, and consistency, and she appreciates being able to do so in a Christian environment, sharing her passions and gifts with the church.

“Knowing that I work for a place that has the same faith-based value system I do makes me feel part of a bigger team. A team where we are here to bring light to others in everything we do and have a part in.”

The team at Western Adventist Foundation is dedicated to you and to God’s work through the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

From managing millions of dollars to performing basic accounting tasks, all our work is executed with this focus in mind.