ABOUT KINGDOM PARTNERS

Our Vision

Encouraging, equipping and empowering grassroots leaders with tools to transform the lives of people in underserved communities.

Our Mission

Kingdom Partners seeks to be a catalyst to help transform lives and communities in Chattanooga by announcing, demonstrating God’s love for all people, focusing on three core areas:

  1. One Kingdom, One City (Connecting communities of resource with communities of need while reconciling people to Jesus Christ and to each other)
  2. Pastor and Lay Leadership Development
  3. Urban Church Revitalization

Core Values

KINGDOM COLLABORATION: KP is all about the Kingdom of God in its efforts to be Kingdom-minded working alongside other Kingdom Members whether they are individuals, churches, and/or faith-based organizations to share the Gospel.

COMMUNITY: KP strives to change the world by helping churches build relationships and mutual beneficial partnerships.

EXCELLENCE: KP works with partners, stakeholders and communities with a spirit of excellence that adds value to schools, government, churches, faith-based and community-based organizations.

INTEGRITY: KP seeks to foster positive change by building trust and being consistent in all its relationships and partnerships.

PARTNERSHIP: KP undertakes intentional strategic partnerships and joint projects between churches to harness and maximize resources in support of sustainable community transformations.

SUSTAINABLE: KP is focused on human transformation that results in sustainable solutions that can be replicated in other communities.

Kingdom Partners and Greater Tucker Baptist Church

We have enjoyed working with Kingdom Partners. They have helped us with our strategic planning. They have been very thorough in leading us through this process and user friendly.

We are beginning to make progress in our focus areas. I loved the fact that they are available to help us as we implement the plan.  Kingdom Partners has been a real blessing to our church. I highly recommend them.

Pastor Gary L Hathaway / Greater Tucker Baptist Church / 1115 North Moore Road / Chattanooga, TN 37411

Board of Directors

Click image for individual bios…

Jefferson Davis Herring: Retired

Education: Tuskegee University BS Chemistry, U Penn, Wharton School of Business, and The AMA courses in Finance for non-Financial managers.

Affiliations:

  • Board Chair Kingdom Partners
  • Former Grace, Marketing executive
  • Former, Assistant Vice-President of the American Café, W R Grace
  • Former, Maryland Indoor Clean Air Advisory Board
  • Former, The Greater Baltimore subcommittees,
  • Former, President of the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni
  • Former, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Tuskegee University Chemistry Department,
  • Former Chair, J A Henry, and Vice Chair YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga Boards
  • Former Board member, Organic Catalysis Reaction Society (ORCS)
  • Created, Co-proposed and founder the ORCS Murray Raney Award
  • Participant 1981; National Security Seminar, US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania
  • Former, Public Officer for the City of Chattanooga, Department of Neighborhood service and Community Development, responsible for residing over demolition hearing
  • Member Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Gamma Pi Boulé) member.
  • Former, Reverse mortgage lending manager in all 50 States, NMLS:1210041

Jefferson Davis Herring
Chairman

Walter F. Williams Judge, Retired

History:

  • Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Judge Williams achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a Judge in March 1991. In his first political race, obtaining 56% of the vote, he won election as Judge

Education and awards:

  • Morehouse College Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Business, Magna Cum Laude graduate, Phi Beta Kappa for outstanding and Earl Warren Fellow
  • Awarded the Juris Doctor Degree from Howard
  • Chattanooga City Court for a term of eight years. His judicial style, no-nonsense approach and unusual alternative sentences have gained him national attention along with numerous awards and honors.

Affiliations:

  • Partner in the law firm of McClarty & Williams in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he primarily handled personal injury, corporate,

estate and municipal law cases.

  • Former Board; Valley Capital Corporation
  • Former Board; The Ronald McDonald House
  • Former Board; Friendship Haven Home
  • Former Board; Chairman of the Board of the Westside Community Development Corporation
  • Former Board; Chairman and member of the Board of Trustees of the Hamilton County Governmental Law
  • Former Board: Chairman of the Scholarship Committee of the 100 Black Men of Chattanooga having served in this position for 11 years
  • Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Gamma Pi Boulé) member.
  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member
  • Chattanooga Morehouse Club, 100 Black Men

True to his belief that “education is the key to success,” Judge Williams proudly reports that more than 893 defendants have obtained their General Equivalency Diplomas (G.E.D.) since he took office, with an additional 500 still under the Judge’s mandate to do so. He has also been instrumental in directing more than 300 students to further their education at Chattanooga State Technical College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and other schools.

Judge Walter F. Williams
Treasurer

Rev. Dr. William T. Ladd III, Pastor First Baptist Church, E. 8th Street, Chattanooga

Licensed Teacher and Ordained Minister: passion… Education and Christian Leadership

Education:

  • 2018 McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, IL, Associated Chicago Theological Schools, Doctor of Ministry Degree in Preaching
  • 2008 Mercer University, McAfee School of Theology Atlanta, GA, Master of Divinity
  • 1997 Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, Georgia Middle Grades Teaching Certificate
  • 1993 Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, B.A. in Mathematics

Affiliations:

  • 2009 – Present: First Baptist Church, E. 8th, Chattanooga, TN Senior Pastor
  • Outreach and community service in Chattanooga:
    1. Provide pastoral leadership through preaching, teaching, worship Christian education, administration, visitation, pastoral care, and counseling.
    2. Served as a tutor/administrator in a collaborative tutorial ministry to assist and improve student achievement.
    3. Partnered with Battle Academy and Tommie Brown Academy, adopted schools, in providing materials and math tutorial sessions.
    4. Established a prison ministry partnership with the Hamilton County Jail
    5. Formed a partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to assist in feeding community members.
    6. Created the Laundry Love Ministry supplying coins and laundry detergent for community members.
    7. Provided additional differentiated math, science, and reading instruction for targeted student population.
    8. Provided lessons on test taking strategies.
    9. Worked with grade level teachers in planning instruction for targeted student audience.

Business:  

  • BellSouth Telecommunications, Atlanta, GA, Manager Corporate Resources

Ministry affiliates:

  1. 2001 – 2009 Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, GA

Associate Minister

  1. Instructor Antioch School of the Bible and Antioch Members Ministry
  2. Member on the Antioch Leadership Council
  3. Conducted prison outreach through Antioch Baptist North’s prison ministry.
  4. Member of the Metro Atlanta Baptist Ministers Union
  5. Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia
  6. Congress of Christian Education, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.

Assisted pastor providing support to Antioch’s 12,000-member congregation.

Rev. Dr. William T. Ladd III
Secretary

Troy Brand

EDUCATION

  • Master of Divinity 2007, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.
  • Bachelor of Science 2001, Liberal Arts, Concentration: Elementary and Adult Education. Minor: History.  Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD.

EXPERIENCE

Ministry

  • Present Adjunct Professor, Southern Adventist University, School of Religion
  • Director, Chattanooga Purpose Center
  • Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Orchard Park Church, Chattanooga, TN
  • Former Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Alpha Church, Decatur, AL
  • Former Religion Teacher, Oakwood Adventist Academy, Huntsville, AL
  • Former Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Greenwood, Belzoni, Tchula, MS District

Affiliations

  • Kingdom Partners Board Member, Chattanooga, TN
  • Community Advisory Board, Chattanooga, TN
  • Avondale Seventh-day Adventist School, School Board, Chattanooga, TN
  • Former Decatur Coalition of Church Leaders, Decatur, AL

Former Community Youth and Justice Forum, Decatur, AL

  • Former No Walls Ministerial Alliance Morgan County
  • Former Decatur-Morgan Minority Development Association
  • Former Salvation Army Advisory Board, Decatur, AL Unit
  • Former Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Diversity Committee
  • Former Oakwood Adventist Academy School Board (Chaired Discipline and Admissions Committees 2012-2015)
  • Former Leflore County Census Committee
  • Former 010 Greenwood Leflore Ministerial Alliance

Pastor Troy Brand

Marcellus Barnes Sr

Affiliations:

  • Marcellus Barnes Sr. is the founding and lead Pastor of Grace Pointe Church Chattanooga, TN. In 2015
  • Former Missionary work: Nagoya and Japan
  • Urban Ministry in the City of Chattanooga.
  • Music director Black History Concert, Sounds Unity
  • Blessed with ability to reach different generations of men, women, singles, couples, and families from every walk of life.
  • Pastor Marcellus received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Former
  • Educator for Hamilton County Department of Education in the urban schools.
  • Certify from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga.
  • Bi-vocational Pastor: Behavior Management Specialist for the Hamilton County Department of Education
  • Board Member Kingdom Partners
  • Board Member Unifi Ed …Passion for Community, Education, and Outreach.

Pastor Marcellus Barnes, Sr.

Dr. Richard Lee Brown presently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He serves as a senior member of the Chancellor’s executive leadership team.

Education: BS and MS. Degrees, UT Chattanooga. MBA-Accounting and Financial Planning, University of Phoenix, Doctor of Education, Trevecca Nazarene University (Received Highest Academic Honors and the University Excellence in Research Award). Graduated from the prestigious Harvard University Business School’s Advanced Management Program. Attended the Nashville School of Law. Graduate of Executive Development Program UT College of Business, Certified Mediation Specialist. Dr. Brown is an ordained minister within The Cumberland Presbyterian Church and holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Pastoral Studies.

  • Executive management of University Budgeting and Finance in excess of $300 million
  • 35 years of progressive higher Education leadership to include the capital investment and building over $600 million of new and renovated facilitate UTC
  • Manages Human Resources, Finance and Budget Planning, McKenzie Arena, Accounting services, Public Safety, and Facilities Planning and management, campus master planning, institutional accreditation planning, risk management, equity and inclusion.
  • Serves as a university liaison for the community, state and UT System
  • Selected as one of 10 “Best Dressed” Men of Chattanooga
  • Created the Institution’s Technology Master Plan
  • Serves as Chairman of Hamilton County 9-11 Emergency Board
  • Serves on the Board of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and African American Museum
  • Chair the Compensation Advisory Board for the University of Tennessee
  • Served on the Board of United Way: Inducted in Their Leadership Hall of Fame
  • Chair of the Compensation Advisory Board for the UT System
  • Served on the Board of Siskin Rehabilitation Hospital
  • Past Graduate and President of Leadership Chattanooga Alumni Association
  • Served on the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Commission
  • Served on the Board for Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence

Dr. Richard Lee Brown

Tom Francescon

Education: The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, bachelor’s in business administration and Marketing

Affiliations:

  • Stone Bridge Asset Management, Financial Advisor, 13 years in financial services industry
  • Worked numerous years in sales and business management, including as an entrepreneur having started several small businesses
  • Dedicated more than 40 years to building and maintaining rich client relationships
  • Active in the Chattanooga Community having served on several boards through the years with, CBMC-Chattanooga and Kingdom Partners being two of his favorite organizations and boards
  • S. in Business Administration and Marketing from The University of Tennessee – Chattanooga
  • Holds the Series 65 investment license
  • Kingdom Advisor & Money Map Coach
  • SmartVestor Pro
  • Tom and his wife, Del, have three children and four grandchildren
  • Resides in Signal Mountain, TN

Tom Francescon

Pastor Alfred Johnson

With the guidance of Jesus Christ Pastor Alfred Johnson initiated 17 ministries, including the House of Refugee established in 1995. House of Refugee is a ministry helping men that are being released from prison, to overcome their life-controlling addictions so they can successfully re-enter society.

Affiliations:

  • Director of MVP Summer Camp since 1992 which provides a safe place for 100 or more children during the summer months.
  • MVP Tutoring which provides educational support for inner city students.
  • MVP Food source this provides a food box once a month to 20 widows in the community.
  • MVP: Pastor Johnson continues to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who is said to be hopeless and equip men and women in the inner city to focus on and do inner city ministry.

Pastor Alfred Johnson

Rev. Paul A McDaniel, Pastor Emeritus Second Missionary Baptist Church (SMBC), 48 yrs.

Education:

  • Morehouse College, AB degree political science
  • Colgate Rochester Divinity School, Masters
  • University of Rochester, Masters
  • The Doctor of Divinity Degree from Friendship College, Rock Hill, SC

Affiliations: 

  • Former member of the HAMILTON County Board of Commissioners
  • Former secretary of the board of trustees Chattanooga Convention Center
  • Former chair of the Chattanooga unity group, 40yrs
  • Former chairman of the Westside Community
  • Member of various civic and civil rights groups.
  • Won US supreme court case on Separation of Church and State
  • Member of Omega psi phi
  • Member Sigma Pi Phi (Gamma Pi Boulé)
  • Married to Rev. and Dr. Linda I McDaniel
  • Father of two children

Rev. Paul A McDaniel

Casandra R. Miller

Education: Vanderbilt University, Master of Divinity; Furman University, BS Psychology

Affiliations:

  • The Enterprise Center, Tech Goes Home: Community Partnerships Specialist
  • Nashville Public Library Foundation: Adult Education Program Supervisor
  • Vanderbilt Medical Center, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Thomas Midtown Hospital: Hospital Chaplaincy
  • George Washington Cancer Institute: Patient Navigator, Cancer prevention in Latinx populations
  • Cuernavaca Center for Intercultural Dialogue on Development, Cuernavaca, Mexico: Educator
  • Scholarship Esperanza, LLC: Co-founder and Vice President
  • Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), Design and facilitation
  • Circle Process Facilitator, Team building
  • New Leaders Council 2018 Fellow, Nashville Chapter
  • Brandon Honors Scholarship, Vanderbilt Divinity School

Casandra R. Miller

Novella S. Miller

EDUCATION

  • Degree of Associate of Science cum laude, 1982, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Community Building Workshop Certificate of Completion, Chattanooga Endeavors, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Beginners, Intermediate and Advanced Certificates of Completion of Study in special bible training, church doctrine and practices, Bible Training Institute, Church of God of Prophecy
  • Know Your Bible Series Course With Studies of the Seventeen Works Of the Flesh Certificate of Completion, Bible Training Institute, Church of God of Prophecy, Cleveland, Tennessee
  • Instructor Certification Program, Certificate Of Completion, Tennessee Valley AuthorityNuclear Power Program

EXPERIENCE

Ministry

  • Present Ordained Licensed Minister, Church of God of Prophecy (Globally)
  • Former Young Adult Sunday School Teacher, Wildwood Avenue Church of God Of Prophecy, Cleveland, Tennessee
  • Former Public Relations Director, Wildwood Avenue Church of God of Prophecy, Cleveland, Tennessee
  • Former Women’s Missionary Leader, Former Wilson Street Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tn
  • Former Youth Leader, Chickamauga Loop Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Former Church Clerk, Chickamauga Loop Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Former Church Treasurer, Chickamauga Loop Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Former Associate Pastor, Chickamauga Loop Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Retired Senior Pastor, Chickamauga Loop Church of God of Prophecy, Chattanooga, Tennessee

AFFILIATIONS

  • Present Kingdom Partners Prayer Team
  • Present Chattanooga Endeavors Stephen’s Table Tennessee Prison Letter Writing Team
  • Present Love’s Arm Outreach Organization:
    • Tennessee Women’s Prison Ready Writer’s Team
    • Street Outreach To Women In Prostitution
    • Women’s Bible Study Teacher at Silverdale Detention Center
  • Retiree of the Tennessee Valley Nuclear Operations Power Program, Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, Soddy-Daisy, Tennesse

Novella S. Miller

Reverend Ann Jones Pierre

Education: Tennessee State University B.S. Business Education, Tusculum University M.S.  Applied Organizational Management, ITC Certification Theology, Eckerd College Leadership Development

Affiliations:  Golden Life Member NAACP, Hiwassee Presbytery of Cumberland of Presbyterian Church in America, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

  • CEO Pierre Group-Project Management
  • Community Activist and Advocator
  • Former CEO of Church Koinonia Federal Credit Union
  • Former Senior Manager Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
  • Former Senior Pastor
  • Served four years each as Moderator and Vice Moderator of National body of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America
  • Staff Leader and Developer of $5 Billion Short-term Note Program
  • Staff Leader in issuance of $8 Billion simultaneous Debt Issue and Refinance
  • Extensive experience in Financial and Economic Analysis and Strategic Planning
  • Served as Change Agent Coach through Sean Delany Star7 Program Developed for TVA
  • Widow with four adult children and five grandchildren
  • Resides in Chattanooga, TN

Rev. Ann Jones Pierre

Steve Reiter                          

Affiliations:

  • Four decades as a corporate executive, entrepreneur, investor, and servant leader in non-profit organizations (NPOs).
  • Executive Director for Precept Ministries International, with responsibility for 6,000 people on the ground in 184 nations
  • Strategic plan transformed the organization into a Best Christian Workplace and was humbled to work alongside so many amazing servants of the Lord who literally put their lives on the line every single day.
  • Bringing that combined expertise of 44 years leading business operations and now 5 years in full time ministry, Steve now serves as CEO for DXM360 which is committed to empower organizations to thrive by providing research, education and training, with advisory and integration services that strengthens organizations to meet the evolving challenges of today’s eXperience Economy.
  • Former General Manager for a $1.2 billion HP division,
  • President of a $40 million start-up, Chief Information Officer for 2 Fortune 200 firms, as well the Practice Leader and Partner for a top-tier strategy-consulting firm.
  • He led Sales, managing the largest non-owned Business Process and IT Outsourcing deal in history worth $4.3 Billion.
  • Steve authored a business book selling 50,000 copies translated into 7 languages: spoken at 60 conferences/seminars,
  • Taught a highly touted course at a Chicago-based graduate school and is active with several NPOs engaged in breaking down racial, cultural, and intergenerational barriers.
  • Steve continues to serve both for-profit and NPO boards, while remaining active serving in his church.

Steve Reiter

David Rojas currently resides in Rossville, GA, with his wife Nicole and their two children, Nehemiah, and Chloe.

David was born in Miami, FL, then later moved to Central Florida, where he worked as an Assistant Customer Service Manager for 12 years.

Education:

  • He attended Tennessee Temple University, Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.

Affiliations:

  • In June 2010, David joined the Brainerd Baptist Church staff and oversees the BX facility. The BX is a ministry to the community where people can meet and connect with others through a wide variety of interests, programs, and recreation.
  • David participates in the Food Ministry program providing food to those in need in the Chattanooga area.

Personal:

  • His life verse is 2 Timothy 2:2, which reminds him to commit his life to teaching and discipling others.
  • David enjoys reading leadership books. His hobbies include cheering on the New York Yankees and Miami Hurricanes.
  • He loves to spend time with his family and enjoys his movie nights.

David Rojas

Mark Straub: Currently – Regional Vice President of Pennrose, LLC

Education: Carnegie-Mellon University – Mathematics, University of Virginia – Procurement and Contracts Management Program, National Contract Management Association – Certified Associate Contracting Manager, Certified Public Housing Manager

Affiliations:

  • Pennrose LLC, Regional Vice President
  • Board Member Kingdom Partners
  • Former Board Chairperson, Eagle Bluff HOA
  • Former Development Executive, Chattanooga Housing Authority
  • Former Director of Development, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority
  • Former Director of Development, Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority
  • Former Contract Administrator, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority
  • Former Contract Manager, Network Solutions, Inc.

Mark Straub

Advisory Committee

L. Clark Taylor, Jr.

Education:

University Alabama, PhD
Virginia Commonwealth University, MHA
Candler School of Theology
Asbury School of Theology

Affiliations:

Founder, Chattanooga Institute for Faith and Work

Minister of Faith and Work, First-Centenary UMC

  • Former CEO Hospice Chattanooga, Ephraim Health, Memorial Hospital, UAB Hospital
  • Advisory Board, United Way of Greater Chattanooga
  • Board, Volunteers in Medicine
  • Board Officer, Chattanooga Area Law Enforcement Chaplains
  • Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives
  • Former Director, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Louisville, Ky Branch
  • Former Board, Midway College
  • Former Board Chair, YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
  • Former Board Chair, Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Board Chair, Heart of KY United Way
  • Former Board, AmSouth Bank of TN
  • Former Vice Chair Board, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Former Board, Wesley Center Foundation
  • Former Board, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Inc.
  • Former Chair, Cumberland District, KY Hospital Association
  • Former Chair, Lake Cumberland Area Health Education System

L. Clark Taylor, Jr.

Brian C. Bush

EDUCATION

The University of Tennessee College of Law – Knoxville, Tennessee
J.D., May 2016
Honors: Dean’s List; Pro Bono Honors (at least 25 hours of Pro Bono service)

Activities:

The Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice, 3rd Year Editor.

H.O.P.E. Student Support, president, and founder; Black Student Association, president; Cooper Success Center, tutor; Student Life Committee; Quality Enhancement Committee; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; Varsity Football, 2009-2012

EXPERIENCE

  • Former: Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office – Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Former: Assistant District Attorney, Sept. 1, 2017 – Present
  • House of Refuge – Chattanooga, Tennessee
  • Former; Court Liaison/Case Manager
  • Berke for Mayor Campaign – Chattanooga, Tennessee, Field Organizer,

BOARDS & MEMBERSHIPS

Maryville College (TN) Alumni Board of Directors, Member (Feb. 2017 – Present)

Brian C. Bush

Dr. Leroy Keith

Dr. Leroy Keith

Meet our Team

Marcellus Barnes Sr

Affiliations:

  • Marcellus Barnes Sr. is the founding and lead Pastor of Grace Pointe Church Chattanooga, TN. In 2015
  • Former Missionary work: Nagoya and Japan
  • Urban Ministry in the City of Chattanooga.
  • Music director Black History Concert, Sounds Unity
  • Blessed with ability to reach different generations of men, women, singles, couples, and families from every walk of life.
  • Pastor Marcellus received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Former
  • Educator for Hamilton County Department of Education in the urban schools.
  • Certify from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Ga.
  • Bi-vocational Pastor: Behavior Management Specialist for the Hamilton County Department of Education
  • Board Member Kingdom Partners
  • Board Member Unifi Ed …Passion for Community, Education, and Outreach.

Pastor Marcellus Barnes, Sr.
Education and Mentoring Consultant

Troy Brand

EDUCATION

  • Master of Divinity 2007, Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.
  • Bachelor of Science 2001, Liberal Arts, Concentration: Elementary and Adult Education. Minor: History.  Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD.

EXPERIENCE

Ministry

  • Present Adjunct Professor, Southern Adventist University, School of Religion
  • Director, Chattanooga Purpose Center
  • Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Orchard Park Church, Chattanooga, TN
  • Former Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Alpha Church, Decatur, AL
  • Former Religion Teacher, Oakwood Adventist Academy, Huntsville, AL
  • Former Pastor, South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventist, Greenwood, Belzoni, Tchula, MS District

Affiliations

  • Kingdom Partners Board Member, Chattanooga, TN
  • Community Advisory Board, Chattanooga, TN
  • Avondale Seventh-day Adventist School, School Board, Chattanooga, TN
  • Former Decatur Coalition of Church Leaders, Decatur, AL

Former Community Youth and Justice Forum, Decatur, AL

  • Former No Walls Ministerial Alliance Morgan County
  • Former Decatur-Morgan Minority Development Association
  • Former Salvation Army Advisory Board, Decatur, AL Unit
  • Former Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Diversity Committee
  • Former Oakwood Adventist Academy School Board (Chaired Discipline and Admissions Committees 2012-2015)
  • Former Leflore County Census Committee
  • Former 010 Greenwood Leflore Ministerial Alliance

Pastor Troy Brand
Strategic Planning Consultant

Thomas Castillo

Thomas Castillo is a dynamic operations professional offering extensive experience in transforming organizations through the application of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.

Thomas Castillo
Strategic Planning Consultant

Rev. Edward L. Ellis III, M.Div.

Licensed:

  • April 24, 1994, First Bryan Missionary Baptist Church, Savannah, GA

Ordained:

  • May 28, 1995, First Bryan Missionary Baptist Church, Savannah, GA

Education:

  • B.A. Religion, Morehouse College, 1992
  • M.Div., Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (Now Palmer Theological Seminary), 1997

Certifications:

  • Executive Leadership, Church-Based Community Transformation, Harvard Divinity Summer Leadership Institute, 2000
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, University of South Florida, 2021

Ministry Experience:

  • Senior Pastor, Mt. Peria Missionary Baptist Church, Ringgold, GA, January 2017 – Present
  • Senior Pastor, Hurst United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN, June 2011- December 2016
  • Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Wiley United Methodist Church, Chattanooga, TN, June 2008-June 2011
  • Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church (East 8th), Chattanooga, TN, August 2004 – June 2008
  • Youth Pastor & CDC Program Director, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, West Palm Beach, FL, August 1999 – July 2004
  • Community Life Facilitator/ Community Chaplain, East Lake Community Foundation, Atlanta, GA, June 1998 – July 1999

Secular Experience:

  • Diversity Partnerships Manager, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, October 2020 – Present
  • Match Support Specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga, April 2014 – October 2020
  • Family Partnership Specialist, Brown Academy, Chattanooga, TN, July 2011 – April 2014

Personal Info:

  • Happily married for 27 years (February 3, 1994) to Mrs. Gena N. Roberts Ellis (Content Creator, First Things First).
  • Proud father of 3 sons: Edward L. Ellis IV (2020 Columbia University Graduate and Chattem Employee) Samuel Ellis (2021 McCallie School Graduate and rising freshman at Vanderbilt University fall 2021) & William Taylor Roberts Ellis (2021 Salutatorian @ Belvoir Christian Academy and rising 9th grader at The McCallie School fall 2021)
  • Proud parent of a fur baby pup named “Caesar”.

Rev. Edward Ellis III
Pastor and Lay Leadership Development Consultant

Jefferson Davis Herring: Retired

Education: Tuskegee University BS Chemistry, U Penn, Wharton School of Business, and The AMA courses in Finance for non-Financial managers.

Affiliations:

  • Board Chair Kingdom Partners
  • Former Grace, Marketing executive
  • Former, Assistant Vice-President of the American Café, W R Grace
  • Former, Maryland Indoor Clean Air Advisory Board
  • Former, The Greater Baltimore subcommittees,
  • Former, President of the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni
  • Former, Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Tuskegee University Chemistry Department,
  • Former Chair, J A Henry, and Vice Chair YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga Boards
  • Former Board member, Organic Catalysis Reaction Society (ORCS)
  • Created, Co-proposed and founder the ORCS Murray Raney Award
  • Participant 1981; National Security Seminar, US Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania
  • Former, Public Officer for the City of Chattanooga, Department of Neighborhood service and Community Development, responsible for residing over demolition hearing
  • Member Sigma PI Phi Fraternity (Gamma Pi Boulé) member.
  • Former, Reverse mortgage lending manager in all 50 States, NMLS:1210041

Jefferson Davis Herring
Senior Advisor

Rev. Dr. William T. Ladd III, Pastor First Baptist Church, E. 8th Street, Chattanooga

Licensed Teacher and Ordained Minister: passion… Education and Christian Leadership

Education:

  • 2018 McCormick Theological Seminary Chicago, IL, Associated Chicago Theological Schools, Doctor of Ministry Degree in Preaching
  • 2008 Mercer University, McAfee School of Theology Atlanta, GA, Master of Divinity
  • 1997 Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, Georgia Middle Grades Teaching Certificate
  • 1993 Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA, B.A. in Mathematics

Affiliations:

  • 2009 – Present: First Baptist Church, E. 8th, Chattanooga, TN Senior Pastor
  • Outreach and community service in Chattanooga:
    1. Provide pastoral leadership through preaching, teaching, worship Christian education, administration, visitation, pastoral care, and counseling.
    2. Served as a tutor/administrator in a collaborative tutorial ministry to assist and improve student achievement.
    3. Partnered with Battle Academy and Tommie Brown Academy, adopted schools, in providing materials and math tutorial sessions.
    4. Established a prison ministry partnership with the Hamilton County Jail
    5. Formed a partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to assist in feeding community members.
    6. Created the Laundry Love Ministry supplying coins and laundry detergent for community members.
    7. Provided additional differentiated math, science, and reading instruction for targeted student population.
    8. Provided lessons on test taking strategies.
    9. Worked with grade level teachers in planning instruction for targeted student audience.

Business:  

  • BellSouth Telecommunications, Atlanta, GA, Manager Corporate Resources

Ministry affiliates:

  1. 2001 – 2009 Antioch Baptist Church North, Atlanta, GA

Associate Minister

  1. Instructor Antioch School of the Bible and Antioch Members Ministry
  2. Member on the Antioch Leadership Council
  3. Conducted prison outreach through Antioch Baptist North’s prison ministry.
  4. Member of the Metro Atlanta Baptist Ministers Union
  5. Congress of Christian Education, General Missionary Baptist Convention of Georgia
  6. Congress of Christian Education, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.

Assisted pastor providing support to Antioch’s 12,000-member congregation.

Rev. Dr. William T. Ladd III
Education and Mentoring Consultant

Pastor Mark Love

Mark Love is a bi-vocational church planter in Chattanooga and digital marketing specialist with Sprocket.co which he started in 2013. He pastors Journey Church in Chattanooga, as well.

Sprocket.co has worked with hundreds of businesses, non-profits, educational organizations and churches to take their message to the world. Mark works in web design, social media marketing, pay-per-click advertising and search engine optimization.

Pastor Mark Love
Digital Engagement Consultant

Deborah Noel Maddox:
Community Outreach Coordinator,
City of Chattanooga Mayor’s Office
Public Safety Department

Education: Memphis State University,

majored in Special Education; and

UTC, majored in Business Administration

Affiliations:

  • Consultant Kingdom Partners
  • Founding Board Member, Center for Non-Profits
  • Founding Creator, Alton Park Development Corporation
  • Founding Coordinator, Second Missionary Services, Inc.
  • Second Missionary Baptist Church (Vice Chairman of Public Relations Committee, member of Deaconess Board, Instructor for Paul A. McDaniel Computer Academy, Assistant Director of Children’s Church, Youth Advisor)
  • Graduate Fellow, Advanced Leadership Preparation Initiative
  • Graduate, Chattanooga Resource Foundation Christian Leadership
  • Graduate, Leadership Chattanooga
  • Former Board Chairperson, Youth Leadership Chattanooga
  • Former Tech Goes Home trainer and recruiter
  • Former Chattanooga-Hamilton County Planning Commissioner
  • Former Downtown Area Coordinator for Hamilton County School’s Partners-In-Education
  • Former Board Member and Volunteer, Ladies of Charity
  • Former UTC Client Services Task Force Member
  • Former Member and Past Vice-Chairman, Scenic Cities Beautiful Commission
  • Former Chattanooga Cartel Trainer (a regional facilitation group)
  • Former Secretary and Member, Glenwood Business and Professional Women’s Organization
  • Former Volunteer supervisor and Chairperson of Design & Special Needs Committee for Kidz Place (inner city playground)

Deborah Maddox
Fund Developer and Grant Writer Consultant

Dr. Joe Martin

Dr. Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified “man builder.” He’s also the host of “Read Men Connect,” the #1 top-rated radio podcast on iTunes for Christian Men.

Dr. Joe Martin
Men’s Discipleship Consultant

Rev. Dr. Adam E. McKee III

EDUCATION

  • Doctor of Ministry Degree

Drew University, Theological School, Madison NJ

  • Master of Divinity Degree

Virginia Union University, Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Richmond, VA

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree

Bethune-Cookman University, Daytona Beach, FL

  • Class of 2010 Denominational Executive Leadership Training, Duke University

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Leadership Experience in Secular and Church environments
  • Extensive Ministry Experience in Cross-Cultural Settings
  • Self-starter, ability to coordinate and manage multiple projects
  • Capacity to interact with persons of diverse social , economic and educational backgrounds
  • Experienced in problem/conflict resolution
  • Skilled Communicator, Trainer and Facilitator

 

Denominational Affiliations

  • Ordination and Member in Full Connection, Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church
  • Ordination, National Baptist Denomination

 

MINISTRY EXPERIENCE

  • Senior Pastor, Harrison UMC, Harrison, TN
  • District Superintendent, Holston Conference UMC
  • Senior Pastor, Brainerd UMC, Chattanooga, TN
  • Senior Pastor, Lennon- Seney UMC, Chattanooga, TN
  • Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Chattanooga, TN
  • Pastor, Shiloh Baptist Church, Blackstone, VA
  • Minister of Youth, Great Hope Baptist Church
  • Corrections Chaplain, Chaplain Services of Virginia

 

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Current Affiliations

  • Kingdom Partners, Chattanooga, TN
  • M.C. Scenic City District Clergy Leadership Team
  • M.C. Scenic City District Committee on Ministry
  • The Order of the Flame, World Methodist Evangelism
  • Steering Committee, Chattanooga Minority Health Fair

 

Past Affiliations

  • Hiwassee College Board of Trustees, Madisonville, TN
  • Methodist Hospital Advisory Board, Oak Ridge, TN
  • Compassion Coalition Board of Directors, Knoxville, TN
  • Holston Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, Division of Elders
  • Holston Conference Sudan Mission Team, Clergy Trainer and Keynote Worship Speaker
  • Chairperson Hurricane Katrina Steering Committee, Knoxville, TN
  • Chancellor’s Roundtable, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, TN
  • United Way Board of Directors, Chattanooga, TN
  • Habitat for Humanity, Board of Directors, Chattanooga, TN

Rev. Dr. Adam E. McKee III
Pastor and Lay Leadership Development Consultant

Oliver Richmond: Currently – President of Kingdom Partners

Education: B.S. Business Management – Ferris State University, Former Securities Licenses, Series 7, 66, 63.  Certificates of Theology -The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) of Atlanta, Ga.

Affiliations:

  • Chairman of the Board and Chairman of Deacon Board of Grace Pointe Church of Chattanooga.
  • 20 years providing training and educational workshops to minority communities, corporations, and churches.
  • He has extensive experience helping churches and non-profits achieve community outreach.
  • Husband of Minister Pamela Richmond
  • Parents of four children
  • Former Interim Executive Director with Front Porch Alliance.
  • Former Deacon at the Union Baptist Church and Mt.Canaan Baptist Church
  • His favorite scripture is, Proverbs 3:1-6 (NIV), 5 Trust in the Lordwith all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Oliver Richmond
President

Minister Pamela Richmond, Retail Manager

Education: Certificates of Theology from Tennessee Temple University and The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) of Atlanta, Ga.

Affiliations:

  • Executive Pastor Grace Pointe Church
  • Spiritual Director Kingdom Partners
  • Small Group Bible Study Leader
  • Ordained Minister in 2008
  • Wife of Deacon Oliver Richmond
  • Mother of four children
  • 30 years of Retail experience
  • Youth Day’s speaker for the Mt. Olive State Convention
  • Pam has been speaking for the Lord since the age of 14
  • Her favorite scripture is, Psalms 30:5 (NIV), For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Pam Richmond
Spiritual Director

Seek peace and well-being for the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its peace (well-being) you will have peace.’ Jeremiah 29:7 Amplified Bible (AMP)

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