HENRICO, VA — BGAV’s Executive Board voted yesterday to accept the recommendation to nominate Dr. Wayne D. Faison as the next BGAV executive director. The recommendation, brought by the Executive Director Search Committee, will be presented for election at the 199th BGAV Annual Meeting in Hampton, VA, on November 15-16, 2022, and will become effective at that meeting’s conclusion.

“From the selection of the search committee to the vote today, I’ve found it humbling and affirming to see God’s hand at work,” recalled Executive Board Chair, Becky McKinney. “We are indeed excited that Wayne has accepted the call God has placed on his life to serve as our next executive director. God has been—and continues to be—at work!”

“We were honored and excited to present Wayne to the Executive Board as our recommended candidate,” commented Adam Tyler, chair of the search committee. “He is innovative and forward-thinking and will bring a wealth of relationships and experience to the role.” He affirmed that “God has been at work in this process, and the committee recognizes God’s call on Wayne at this critical time in BGAV life.”

Faison, who currently serves as National Coordinating Officer for BGAV’s Ascent team, has served in several leadership positions on BGAV’s staff for the past 21 years. He has 13 years of pastoral experience, including his current role as Senior Pastor of East End Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA. Prior to his call to ministry, Faison spent 15 years as a leader in the banking industry. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree in Black Church Leadership from the School of Theology, a Master of Divinity degree in Missions, Evangelism, and Church Growth from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a mini-MBA from the University of Richmond, and a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Florida. He is married to Carmen Clark Faison, and they have two adult children, Andrea and Chasity.

“I’m so excited to be given this opportunity to serve. It is certainly a calling from God to advance His Kingdom,” said Faison. “I’m very grateful for the Executive Search Committee and the Executive Board being obedient to God in this critical moment for BGAV/Ascent.”