Scott M. Whalen was elected as superintendent of the Chicago Central District 13 April 2024. He currently serves as the district secretary and assistant district superintendent.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Chicago Central District in this new role,” Whalen said. “We love our pastors and churches and are excited to partner with them in this next chapter of ministry.”

Whalen will replace Larry McKain, who has served as superintendent since 2014.

An Olivet Nazarene University alumnus, Whalen has served as a minister in Indiana and Illinois. Whalen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in church music in 2004 and received a Master of Ministry from Olivet in 2015. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry from Nazarene Theological Seminary, with a focus in Discipleship and Spiritual Formation.

Scott first served as a minister at Highland Church of the Nazarene in Indiana before serving Sterling, Illinois, First Church of the Nazarene from 2006 to 2016. After a brief period of service at Peoria First Church of the Nazarene, he began serving as district secretary and assistant district superintendent for the Chicago Central District in 2017.