Rev. Brian K. Blackwell for Executive Director of the Department of Retirement Services
Greetings!
Welcome to the official campaign website of Rev. Brian K. Blackwell, candidate for Executive Director of the Department of Retirement Services of the AME Church. We invite you to review the information presented to introduce you to and answer your questions about Rev. Blackwell, his desire and preparedness to serve, and offer you an opportunity to join our efforts to restore confidence in the retirement legacy of our mighty Zion!
I became aware of the issues surrounding our Department of Retirement Services in 2021 through correspondence from the Department along with troubling articles in the Washington Post. I was horrified that our beloved church was in such a situation, and offered myself as a resource to help find our way through it. I was appointed to the Commission on Retirement Services in December 2021, and have worked closely with the dedicated clergy and lay members of the commission ever since.
We have worked together to prepare and distribute statements to the plan participants; which communicate the balance held in the plan and how much is owed to each participant.
It is now time to enact a proactive strategy to ensure that we never find ourselves in this position again, protect our clergy members and denomination employees' benefits, and restore confidence in the legacy of our retirement services program.
My wife's grandfather, the late Rev. George M. Champion, was one of the first retirement plan participants, and was a staunch advocate for clergy to join. He enjoyed the reassurance of receiving monthly distributions based on his work and service to the Lord within our Church. It is my sincere prayer to work to ensure that our brothers and sisters who rely on these benefits will once again be able to do so with ease.
This is why I offer myself again as a resource, this time to lead the Department of Retirement Services. I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and your VOTE!
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I have served in various financial positions in Corporate America for Fortune 500 and private companies for 18 years as a Financial Analyst, Internal Auditor, Sarbanes Oaxley Compliance Analyst, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager; as well as serving as a Business Operations Specialist.
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I have served as Comptroller of the Ninth Episcopal District of the AME Church for the past 7 years, preparing budgets, executing payroll, presenting reports, and providing support to local churches throughout the district.
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I am an ordained Itinerant Elder and have pastored several churches within our Zion for the past 16 years that include St Luke Birmingham, St Paul Lanett, St Mark Guerryton Community, and my current assignment of St Paul Smithfield.
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I ask for your vote to serve you over the next 4 years to transparently provide accurate and timely information about your benefits; implement cost effective processes and procedures to efficiently administer the office; and work together to restore confidence in our retirement services.
PREPARED. EXPERIENCED. BUSINESS EDUCATED. TRAINED.
God has prepared me to serve in this position through my experiences outlined above, and also through my formal educational experiences:
-AME Church's Board of Examiners graduate and current Facilitator
-Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a Minor in Accounting from the Florida A&M University School of Business & Industry under the late Dr. Sybil Mobley
-Masters in Divinity from the Turner Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center, also 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee
-Masters in Business Administration at the University of Michigan - Flint anticipated graduation 2025
I have had the honor to serve in many capacities to spread the joy of the Lord through our communities as a parent, husband, pastor, friend, and employee. It has been my privilege and pleasure to do so, and I greatly appreciate the recognition that has come with doing God's work.
If elected, it is my intention to continue working in the Vineyard spreading the Gospel as I work to restore the great legacy of financial well being to the Department of Retirement Services.
Let us work together to restore confidence in our retirement legacy.
Prepared. Experienced. Business-Educated. Trained.
Message from
Rev. Brian K. Blackwell
It is my honor to offer myself as a candidate in our beloved Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I have been a faithful member of the church since 2001 when I joined Big Bethel AME Atlanta and served as a Steward before answering the call to ministry in 2003. My commitment to this church runs deep and I am excited to serve!
Supported. Ready. Prayed-up. Fired up!
Support from My Family - My Wife and Daughter
I have been married to my life partner Attorney Lynita Mitchell-Blackwell for over 24 years, and we have shared a rich and wonderful life together, to include being parents to our wonderful teen daughter Angelica. I prayed with them before announcing my candidacy, and am blessed to have their support and understanding of the time and commitment it will take to serve effectively.
Welcoming. Excited. Organized. Join us!
We Welcome Your Support - Volunteer & Donate
I welcome your support of this campaign. Your prayers are needed, your helping hands are desired, and financial donations are appreciated.
Our Executive Secretary Mrs. Erica McKelvey is ready and excited to get you started. Complete the contact form below - today!
Get in touch
I welcome the opportunity to speak with you about how we may work together to strengthen the Department of Retirement Services to better serve you!
Rev. Brian K. Blackwell
RS Campaign
c/o Saint Paul AME Church
300 4th Ct N
Birmingham, AL 35204