GERALD A. CAMERON
Akron
Summary
Innovative and knowledgeable executive with close to 10 years of leadership experience in community-focused roles. Proven expertise in spearheading multi-sector collaborations and managing client-facing programs to drive systemic change. Demonstrated ability to lead large, cross-functional teams to enhance educational and social outcomes. Skilled in crisis management, budget oversight, and public speaking, with a commitment to driving systemic change and advancing inclusive initiatives.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Community and Spiritual Engagement
Mercy College of Ohio
01.2022 - Current
- Designer of impactful community engagement experiences that connect integrates cultural, service, and spiritual exploration, attracting over hundreds of students annually.
- Served as campus chaplain and spiritual advisor, providing guidance during critical incidents and student emergencies.
- Cultivator of public and private community partnerships between the college and Northwest Ohio, enhancing community collaboration and resource sharing.
- Serve as a resource officer in handling critical incidents, emergencies, and situations involving students.
- Oversees the daily operations of the college’s student emergency fund, as well as the campus food pantry.
Senior Pastor
Celebration United Methodist Church
06.2019 - Current
- Manage an annual budget of over $200,000 while overseeing a team of five staff members.
- Lead cross-cultural community programming, including dialogues and workshops on race and religion, contributing to community cohesion.
- Cultivator of meaningful relationships with local government and businesses, collaborating on service projects and community outreach programs.
- Lead effective pastoral care for congregation members, providing spiritual guidance and support during times of crisis or need.
Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mercy College of Ohio
10.2023 - 08.2024
- Served on president’s senior staff team and chief advisor for DEI-related initiatives.
- Provided strategic direction and support for training and professional development in the areas of cultural and racial differences, civility in the workplace, and other topics.
- intended to increase awareness and support of equity, inclusion, and anti-racist values.
- Analyzed demographic data to ensure the college’s diversity goals align with strategic plans.
- Facilitated and supported campus-wide DEI initiatives and events, increasing student and faculty participation in cultural and social programming.
Senior Pastor
Crosswicks United Methodist Church
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Provided spiritual and pastoral leadership to a vibrant multiracial congregation.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Facilitated community-wide cross-cultural and interreligious dialogues.
- Taught and preached weekly services to congregants and the community at-large.
Adjunct Professor
Seton Hall University
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Taught four sections of University Life (ULife) course to class sizes of up to25 freshmen and received high student evaluations.
- Developed course content to assist students in transitioning to college life.
- Lessons include: Decision-Making; Engaging Diversity; Grit and Resilience; Time Management; Communication Skills; Critical Thinking; College Professionalism and Leadership.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
Academic Advisor/Graduate Assistant
Seton Hall University
06.2018 - 05.2019
- Counseled and advised college freshmen in the development of their course of study and transition in navigating college-level requirements.
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, and counselors to ensure optimum student engagement and support.
- Managed caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance while maintaining high-quality service delivery.
- Received and reviewed transcripts to determine eligibility for admission to college or specific programs.
University Chaplain Assistant
The University of Pennsylvania
09.2015 - 05.2016
- Coordinated with racially diverse ecumenical student groups on campus to provide religious counsel and programming.
- Launched an initiative to bridge the racial divide on campus amongst various religious organizations through training and coaching student leaders on ethnicity, spirituality, and discernment.
- Performed crisis management through one-on-one consultations with students dealing with the difficulties of college adjustment and sense of belonging.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on pastoral care or education-related topics.
Alumni Affairs Associate
Princeton Theological Seminary
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Coordinated the online development of the seminary's first alumni job board.
- Advised alumni of potential employment opportunities through one-on-one consultation.
- Coordinated with prospective employers to advertise position openings for alumni.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase customer satisfaction and engagement.
Education
Ph.D. - Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ABD)
Seton Hall University
Orange, NJ05.2025
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA12.2017
M.Div. - Theological Studies
Princeton Theological Seminary
Princeton, NJ05.2016
B.A. - Political Science
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ05.2013
Skills
- Event Planning
- Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives
- Crisis Management
- Public Speaking
- Budget Management
- Advanced Project Management Skills
- Microsoft Outlook Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
Affiliations
- NAACP of Cleveland, OH
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
- National Association of Student Personnel Administrators
- Golden Key Honor Society
Certification
• Fostering Intercultural Understanding Certificate for Diversity
Aaron E. Gast Award for Urban Ministry
This award is given to one student each academic year for their innovative work in urban ministry.
Timeline
Interim Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mercy College of Ohio
10.2023 - 08.2024
Director of Community and Spiritual Engagement
Mercy College of Ohio
01.2022 - Current
Senior Pastor
Celebration United Methodist Church
06.2019 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Seton Hall University
08.2018 - 05.2019
Academic Advisor/Graduate Assistant
Seton Hall University
06.2018 - 05.2019
Senior Pastor
Crosswicks United Methodist Church
07.2016 - 06.2019
University Chaplain Assistant
The University of Pennsylvania
09.2015 - 05.2016
Alumni Affairs Associate
Princeton Theological Seminary
06.2015 - 05.2016
M.Ed. - Higher Education
Temple University
M.Div. - Theological Studies
Princeton Theological Seminary
B.A. - Political Science
New Jersey City University
Ph.D. - Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy (ABD)
Seton Hall University
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