The beginning of June marked the start of Rev. Keith Norman’s tenure as Baptist’s first ever vice president of government affairs. In this role, he will establish and maintain relationships with government officials and strengthen Baptist’s community outreach partnerships. The pastor of First Baptist Church—Broad is no stranger to community outreach and government relations; through GREATER WORKS Inc., an organization he founded, he is leading the revitalization of the Binghampton community where his church is located. He also serves on several local boards and is president of the NAACP’s Memphis chapter.
From humble beginnings, the South Memphis native rose to become one of Memphis’ most influential religious and political leaders. Since he became First Baptist Church—Broad’s pastor in December 1999, the congregation has grown from 200 members to 4,000. A much-sought-after guest speaker, evangelist and lecturer, Rev. Norman also served as a past chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party and was an Obama Delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention.
A graduate of Morehouse College, Rev. Norman received honors and studied at Harvard Divinity School and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. He is pursuing a doctorate degree at the Memphis Theological Center.
His extensive community work has earned him honors, including the “Champion of Change” award as part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Initiative and Christian Brothers University’s Bishop Carroll T. Dozier Peace and Justice Award.
Although he has many obligations, his priority is his family—his wife, Alicia, and their four children, Keith, KeAsia, Keenan, and Kiara.