Board Members

 Retired, Director, Black Ministry 2013 – 2024 LCMS Office of National Mission     Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Jr was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. He is married to Otelia Vanessa Gray for 47 years. Before his retirement from full-time ministry, Dr. Gray last served as director of LCMS Black Ministry, the long-established Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) ministry serving predominantly black communities and ministering to African immigrants, the Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Jr. provided leadership and direction for LCMS districts, congregations, schools and related organizations as they minister to minority groups in their communities across the country.   Dr. Gray also served as the liaison to the churchwide Black Clergy Caucus and oversee the development of resources to support LCMS Black Ministry throughout the Synod.   Prior to joining the staff of the LCMS International Center in St. Louis, Dr. Gray served as assistant to the President for Missions/Evangelism in the LCMS Michigan District, a call he accepted in 2001. He served as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church and Lutheran City Ministries in Detroit, Mich., from 1997 to 2001; director of admissions, recruitment and vicarage at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., from 1994 to 1997; and as pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Houston, from 1988 to 1994.   Rev. Dr. Gray graduated in 1988 with a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., and in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in printing production and management from Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, Ala. Dr.Gray holds the Doctor of Divinity (Honorary 2015}from Concordia Seminary, St. Luis, MO.

Larry Chenault (Retired, volunteers only) was the Managing Partner of Chenault’s Taekwondo LLC (CTKD), which had been located in and around Randolph, New Jersey since 1985. CTKD is a New Jersey licensed Child Care Center. The Child Care Division was established in September of 2000 with the objective of creating a unique first of its kind concept and to provide a solution to the needs of a positive daycare and after school child care program for working parents. Founded by Mr. Larry Chenault, the Company has blended martial arts with daycare, after school care, summer day care and tutorial care programs. Mr. Chenault graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Tennessee State University (TSU). He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Rutgers University.  In addition, he is a 5th Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo with 7 National Taekwondo Champions trained, including himself (placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd).

Highly motivated, experienced professional Educator, Administrator, Counselor and Trainer. Self-starter able to extensively multitask. Have successfully planned, programmed, and implemented all aspects of an academic division/center in a college/university student services setting. Work exceptionally well with/without supervision. Served as a Director of Career Services. Prior student services division, retail sales, development/ grant writing, travel, human resources and market research experience. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. Can conceptualize and implement lesson plans, budgets, vendor contracts, marketing agreements, staffing arrangements/hires and events such as regional career fairs and employee travel. Motivational and educational speaker accountable for formulating national, state and local presentations to various audiences. Traveled while servicing on community and corporate boards as a liaison to private and corporate communities. Knowledge of current employment trends and employers. Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and career development vision and academic guidance to undergraduate/graduate and special populations.