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.

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.

Samuel Craig, Ph.D.

Dr. Samuel Craig is an accomplished educator, behavioral health professional,

substance use counselor, clinical supervisor, and consultant with extensive experience

serving individuals, families, organizations, and underserved communities. Based in the

Atlanta metropolitan area, Dr. Craig has built a distinguished career that integrates

clinical practice, higher education, organizational leadership, and community-focused

initiatives.

Current Professional Roles

President, Diversified Concepts in Counseling & Consulting, Inc.

Dr. Craig serves as President of Diversified Concepts in Counseling & Consulting, Inc.,

where he provides behavioral health counseling, substance use treatment, clinical

supervision, consulting, and organizational support. His work emphasizes improving

individual well-being, strengthening service delivery systems, and helping organizations

address complex behavioral health and human-service challenges.

Program Director, Men & Women for Human Excellence, Inc. (MWFHE)

In his role as Program Director, Dr. Craig provides clinical and programmatic leadership

for residential, and outpatient behavioral health and substance use treatment services in

the Atlanta metropolitan area. His responsibilities include program development, clinical

oversight, staff supervision, compliance, quality improvement, and coordination of

services designed to support individuals in recovery and promote long-term stability.

Adjunct Professor, Wayne County Community College District

Dr. Craig serves as an Adjunct Professor at Wayne County Community College District,

where he teaches African American Studies. His academic work reflects his

commitment to education, cultural awareness, social development, and expanding

educational opportunities for underserved populations.

Professional Background

Dr. Craig's career reflects a unique integration of behavioral health, substance use

treatment, higher education, organizational leadership, and community

development. Through both his private practice and academic work, he has remained

committed to addressing the systemic challenges that affect individuals and

communities, particularly those experiencing limited access to quality behavioral health

services and educational opportunities.

Clinical and Professional Expertise

Dr. Craig's areas of expertise include:

 Behavioral health and substance use counseling

 Clinical supervision and professional development

 Program development and administration

 Human services

 Organizational consultation and wellness

 Recovery-oriented services

 Community-based behavioral health initiatives

 Education and academic achievement

 Underserved and historically marginalized communities

Education

Dr. Craig earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and

Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. His interdisciplinary

academic background provides a strong foundation for his work at the intersection of

education, behavioral health, organizational leadership, and community development.

Areas of Focus

A significant component of Dr. Craig's professional work is devoted to addressing the

opioid epidemic and broader substance use crisis. His approach emphasizes not

only treatment and recovery, but also prevention, education, supportive services, and

the development of sustainable community-based solutions.

Dr. Craig is also committed to improving the quality of education and academic

outcomes in underserved communities. He believes that education, behavioral

health, and community development are interconnected, and that meaningful, long-term

change requires addressing the multiple factors that influence individual and community

success.

Through his clinical, academic, and consulting roles, Dr. Craig continues to advocate for

innovative approaches that strengthen behavioral health services, expand

educational opportunities, improve organizational effectiveness, and enhance

outcomes for individuals and communities.