Michael A Poke
Saint Albans,WV
Summary
Persistent leader eager to lead and grow organizations. Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, and communication with good understanding of business principles, project management and team leadership. Collaborative with relentless work ethic. Pragmatic professional with solid experience in leadership roles. Adept at implementing strategic business plans, driving growth and improving operations. Skilled in financial management and stakeholder relations. Collaborative and dedicated to building and leading talented and motivated individuals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
Saint Paul Economic Development Corporation
12.2001 - Current
- Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.
- Built productive relationships with industry partners and competitors to support strategic business objectives.
- Established new revenue streams by identifying market opportunities and launching innovative products or services.
- Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.
- Engaged positively with staff and leadership colleagues, soliciting and encouraging feedback and collaborative spirit.
Pastor
Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church
06.2001 - Current
- Provided pastoral care to individuals in need, offering counseling, guidance, and support during difficult times.
- Provided spiritual care through visitation, counseling, and prayer.
- Officiated special services such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and nursing home services.
- Planned and conducted worship services, wrote sermons, and worked with key church leaders to carry out church mission.
- Oversaw administration and management of all areas of ministry.
- Upheld church governance structure by effectively managing staff and volunteer teams while ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.
- Provided spiritual and administrative leadership to church and managed daily operations.
- Fostered a welcoming environment for newcomers by creating an inclusive culture within the church community.
Moderator
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Association
02.2018 - 02.2022
- Fostered a culture of respect among users by modeling positive communication skills and promoting constructive dialogue.
- Coordinated regular team meetings to discuss challenges, successes, and goals for upcoming initiatives within the community.
- Implemented new moderation strategies that led to a decrease in negative interactions among users.
- Edited and revised wide array of content for accuracy, clarity and consistency.
- Wrote and created content for various topics and mediums.
- Researched topics to create accurate and engaging content.
- Suggested improvements to content to enhance quality and accuracy.
- Drove accuracy of content through careful proofreading and fact-checking.
Education
Associate of Science - Spiritual Direction
West Virginia Institute of Spirituality
Charleston, WV05.2008
Ph.D. - Ministry
United Theological Seminary
Dayton, OH05.2005
Master of Arts - Religious Studies
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, KS05.2000
Master of Divinity - Divinity
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Kansas City, MO05.1998
Bachelor of Science - Social Psychology
Park College
Parkville, MO05.1994
Skills
- Effective Decision Making
- Operational Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Strategic Visioning
- Financial Acumen
- Talent Development
- Organizational Leadership
- Business Development
- Business Management
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Planning
- Cash Management
- Business alliances
- Financial Leadership
- Relationship and Team Building
- People and Culture
Affiliations
- Saint Albans Ministerial Alliance
- American Baptist Convention
- Founder St. Paul Community Economic Development Corp.
- Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance
Timeline
Moderator
Mount Olivet Missionary Baptist Association
02.2018 - 02.2022
CEO
Saint Paul Economic Development Corporation
12.2001 - Current
Pastor
Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church
06.2001 - Current
Associate of Science - Spiritual Direction
West Virginia Institute of Spirituality
Ph.D. - Ministry
United Theological Seminary
Master of Arts - Religious Studies
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Master of Divinity - Divinity
Central Baptist Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Science - Social Psychology
Park College