Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis retired from active service as Salvation Army officers in 2011. They live in Orlando, Florida where they remain active in national and international ministry.

William Francis earned a BA from Houghton College in 1966 and a Master of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1969. In 2002, Houghton College conferred on him a Doctor of Divinity degree (honoris causa). Marilyn earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Houghton College in 1965. In 2001 she received an MA degree in Leadership and Ministry from Greenville College. Both were born and raised in New York State, they met while attending Houghton College and were married there in 1965.

They were commissioned as Salvation Army officers in 1973 and held appointments in the USA, Canada and UK. They have been zealous advocates for Christian higher education.

William is the author of three books and contributed to others. Marilyn is an accomplished vocalist and pianist and has produced an audio recording of vocal and keyboard improvisations. They have two adult children, Captain William Marshall and Susan Marjorie, and ten grandchildren.