Rev. Dr. John H. Vaughn serves as the Executive Pastor. He works closely with the Church’s Senior Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock, in managing the overall vision, ministries, and operations of this iconic, international congregation.

Previously, Rev. Vaughn served for almost ten years as the Executive Vice President at Auburn Theological Seminary. Auburn is a national leadership development and research institute that equips leaders of faith and moral courage for multifaith movements for justice. Before joining the staff of Auburn Seminary, Rev. Dr. Vaughn served as the Program Director for the Twenty-First Century Foundation, a national foundation that advanced strategic giving for Black community change.

He also previously served as the Executive Director of the Peace Development Fund, which provides funding, training and assistance for grassroots peace and justice organizing. Previously, he served as the Minister for Education and Social Justice at the Riverside Church in New York City under the leadership of its senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes.

The Rev. Dr. Vaughn, an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches, received his undergraduate degree from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Mass, his Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, and a Doctor of Ministry from Drew Theological School.

Rev. Olivia D.A. Maxwell proudly serves as the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. Rev. Maxwell is well-versed in the areas of Pastoral Care and Counseling, serving as a bridge between the church and the community.

Rev. Maxwell received her bachelor’s degree with an individual concentration in Sociology, Psychology, and Interpersonal Relations from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and was led to Atlanta, where she earned her Master of Divinity with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from the Interdenominational Theological Center. Rev. Maxwell is dedicated to serving as a conduit for concern, comfort, care, and compassion to all.

Rev. Donavan Jamal Pinner joyfully serves as the Associate Pastor for Children and Youth at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. With a deep commitment to inspiring youth and fostering strong relationships, Rev. Donavan’s journey is marked by his unwavering dedication to positively impacting society through public service. 

Previously, Rev. Pinner served as the Youth and Young Adult Team Leader at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, NJ, and as a special education teacher in Hopkinsville, KY.  

Rev. Pinner’s service extends beyond the church walls. His civic engagement includes organizing community events to maximize voter outreach and serving in various leadership roles, such as committee member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, on the Board of Directors of Hopkinsville Community College, and a member of the National Civic League Council of Advisors.  

His educational background includes a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Morehouse College, where he served as the 35th President of the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel Assistant Program and Executive Director of the Student Government Association. Rev. Pinner was licensed and ordained at Virginia Street Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, KY. 

Dr. Patrice E. Turner serves as the Director of Worship & the Arts. She is an accomplished classical, jazz, and gospel pianist and vocalist who has shared her gifts nationally and internationally.

She received a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Music Education, and a Master of Arts from The Ohio State University. Additionally, Dr. Turner received both a Master and Doctor of Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Dr. Turner has been published in the Music Educators Journal and the Journal of Religious Thought. As a choral and general music educator, she taught at Johnson Park Middle School in Columbus, Ohio for three years. For 12 years she has worked at Jazz at Lincoln Center teaching WeBop. Patrice served as the Artist in Residence at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem for seven years.

Rev. Bronson Elliott Woods serves as the Assistant Pastor of Global Missions & Outreach Ministries. Prior to coming to Ebenezer, Rev. Woods served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18). He is also a Veteran of the US Air Force and a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

He earned his undergraduate degree from Texas Southern University and attended post-graduate school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. Minister Woods earned a Master of Divinity from the Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center, and a Master of Theology from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. He received his preaching license from the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church of Houston, where Reverend Dr. Marcus D. Cosby serves as senior pastor. He also holds regular lectures at The Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology.

Ms. Bolton serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the Church and its affiliates. She is an accounting and auditing professional with over 17 years of experience in financial and budget management, ethical leadership and public accounting, serving industries that include higher education, nonprofits and governmental clients. She is always ready to lead with prioritization, communication and effective decision making through positive collaborations. As an Atlanta native, Ms. Bolton earned her Master of Accountancy locally from Keller Graduate School of Management and her Bachelor of Science in Accounting with a minor in Finance from Clayton State University. She is a member of the AICPA and GSCPA and is also a CPA candidate. As a wife and mother of three, she enjoys spending time with her family and creating eventful memories.

Mr. Grady Greer serves as the Director of Facilities. Mr. Greer is an experienced Operational Leader, having over 25 years of combined experience in the Facilities and Construction Management sectors.

He has attended Atlanta Metropolitan College and Atlanta Area Technical College where he received formal training as a certified carpenter, HVAC, and construction estimator. Prior to joining Ebenezer Mr. Greer was an Operational Manager for Atlanta Public Schools, responsible for managing several school buildings.