Northern California-Nevada District Elects New Leader Following Unexpected Loss of Superintendent

The Northern California-Nevada District Council elected Samuel Huddleston as district superintendent on June 13 during a special election following the unexpected death of District Superintendent Bret Allen, who had served since 2016.

Huddleston, who has served as assistant superintendent of the district since 2004, expressed gratitude for the prayers and support shown to the district.

“Thank you to all who prayed for our superintendent and to everyone who has stood with us throughout this season,” Huddleston says. “The sudden loss of our beloved superintendent, Bret Allen, was a profound tragedy for our district family.

“On June 13, 2026, we gathered for a special District Council, where elections were held,” Huddleston adds. “Our district is thankful that General Superintendent Doug Clay was present to chair the meeting, and that our general secretary, Brad Kesler, was with us as well. We are also grateful for our new assistant superintendent, Perry Kallevig. With him and Dr. Jay [Herndon] serving the district, we believe our future is as bright as the promises of God.”

An Assemblies of God executive presbyter since 2017, Huddleston has a powerful testimony of God's redemption. Raised in California, he experienced a difficult childhood and adolescence. As a teenager, he became involved in activities that eventually led to his incarceration. However, after an emotional encounter with his father while in prison, Huddleston surrendered his life to Christ and has been faithfully serving the church ever since.

With his election, Huddleston became the first black district superintendent in the history of the Assemblies of God. 

“This election is more than a milestone for one leader or one district,” General Superintendent Doug Clay says. “It is a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the growing reflection of His kingdom in our Fellowship.”

Huddleston's election is not the first historic milestone his ministry has marked. In 2017, he became the first designated African American executive presbyter after delegates approved his election to a position created by the General Council to strengthen Black representation in national leadership.

Huddleston expressed optimism for the future.

“We move forward with confidence, trusting the grace the Lord has extended to us,” he states. “We look ahead with expectation: planting churches, reaching the lost, strengthening congregations, building pastors, and fulfilling the vision and mission both laid before us and entrusted to us. Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we walk into this new season together.”

Huddleston is a graduate of Bethany University. He holds a Master of Arts from Azusa Pacific University and a Doctor of Ministry from Regent University

Perry Kallevig was elected to the assistant district superintendent position vacated by Huddleston. Kallevig is president of Capital Christian, Inc. He previously pastored Harvest Church in Elk Grove, California, and has also served as a presbyter and executive presbyter with the district. Kallevig is a graduate of North Central University.

PHOTO: Sam Huddleston with Linda, his wife of nearly 50 years.

Ashley B. Grant

Ashley B. Grant has a master's degree in Human Services Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University and is a credentialed Christian counselor through the American Association of Christian Counselors. Grant also holds certifications in crisis pregnancy counseling and advanced life coaching. Ashley is a fourth generation Assemblies of God preacher’s kid and has one daughter and three sons.