Leader Pastor Author
Advocate
Leadership Rooted in Faith, Service and Justice
National President, American Federation of Government Employees / Pastor & Faith Leader / Published Author / Workers' Rights Advocate
Leader Pastor Author
Advocate
Leadership Rooted
in Faith, Service
and Justice
National President, American Federation of Government Employees / Pastor & Faith Leader / Published Author / Workers' Rights Advocate
Leader
Pastor
Author
Advocate
Leadership
Rooted in Faith,
Service and Justice
National President, American Federation of Government Employees / Pastor & Faith Leader / Published Author / Workers' Rights Advocate
Serving over 800,000 federal employees while shepherding souls toward truth and purpose.
38+
Years of MINISTRY
3x
AFGE NAT'L PRESIDENT TERMS SERVED
44+
YEARS OF LABOR UNION ADVOCACY
2x
AUTHORED BOOKS PUBLISHED
Serving over 800,000 federal employees while shepherding souls toward truth and purpose.
38+
Years of MINISTRY
3x
AFGE NAT'L PRESIDENT TERMS SERVED
44+
YEARS OF LABOR UNION ADVOCACY
2x
AUTHORED BOOKS PUBLISHED
Serving over 800,000 federal employees while shepherding souls toward truth and purpose.
38+
Years of MINISTRY
3x
TERMS SERVED AS AFGE NATIONAL PRESIDENT
44+
YEARS OF LABOR UNION ADVOCACY
2x
AUTHORED BOOKS PUBLISHED
[ ABOUT DR. KELLEY ]
[ ABOUT DR. KELLEY ]
QUICK FACTS
AFGE National President since February 2020
Reelected 2022 & 2024 by national delegates
32 years as Senior Pastor, St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church
Frst African American President of AFGE Local 1945
Doubled local membership from 1,200 to 2,600+ members
Appointed to Federal Salary Council by President Biden (2022)
Published author and professor of theology
[ ABOUT DR. EVERETT KELLEY ]
A Life of Service
From Goodwater, Alabama to National Labor Leadership—
A Journey of Faith, Courage, and Unwavering Commitment.
Dr. Everett B. Kelley stands as a transformational leader at the intersection of labor advocacy and spiritual ministry. As the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), he represents over 800,000 federal and D.C. government workers—making AFGE the largest federal employee union in the nation.
Born in Goodwater, Alabama, Dr. Kelley's journey embodies the American spirit of service and perseverance. After serving his country in the United States Army for three years on active duty and eight years in the Reserves, he dedicated over 30 years to the Anniston Army Depot while rising through union leadership.
His educational journey is equally impressive: earning degrees from Central Alabama Community College, Selma University, and Rushing Springs School of Theology, culminating in a Doctorate in Theology in 2016.
1981
Joined AFGE
Began career at Anniston Army Depot and joined the American Federation of Government Employees
1987
Entered Ministry
Called to pastoral ministry, beginning journey toward ordination
2011
District 5 National VP
Elected National Vice President of AFGE District 5, becoming the first African American in this role. Grew district from 38,000 to 51,000+ members
2018
National Secretary Treasurer
Elected AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer, managing the union's financial operations and strategic planning at the national level
2019
Awarded World Peace Prize
Awarded Roving Ambassador for Peace Prize for promoting workers' rights and social justice through the AFGE
Pastor Emeritus
Retired after 32 years as Senior Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church
2020
AFGE National President
Assumed role as National President, leading 800,000+ federal employees through unprecedented challenges including government shutdowns and workplace attacks
2022
Federal Salary Council Appointment
Appointed by President Joe Biden to provide recommendations on federal employee locality pay program.
AFL-CIO Eyes on the Prize Award
Honoring unyielding commitment to social justice, civil rights, and workers' rights at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference
Alabama AFL-CIO Labor Person of the Year
Alabama's highest honor for labor leadership, recognizing decades of advocacy for working families
Reelected AFGE President
Reelected by delegates at the 42nd AFGE National Convention
2023
Awarded World Peace Prize
Awarded Richard Trumka Prize for Solidarity for promoting workers' rights and social justice through the AFGE.
Willie Baker Jr. Award - CBTU
Recognizing individual achievement in fighting for justice, equality, and workers' rights from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
2024
Awarded World Peace Prize
Awarded Labor Leadership Prize. The first male recipient of all three WPPAC awards, recognizing his overall labor leadership
Reelected AFGE President
Reelected by delegates at the 42rd AFGE National Convention
2025
Named Most Influential Politicians
Recognized by The Root 100 as one of the country's most influential Black political leaders
Ernest & De Verne Calloway Award
Honoring 44 years of tireless effort on behalf of federal workers and the working class of America.
2024
Awarded World Peace Prize
Awarded Labor Leadership Prize. The first male recipient of all three WPPAC awards, recognizing his overall labor leadership
Reelected AFGE President
Reelected by delegates at the 42rd AFGE National Convention
2025
Named Most Influential Politicians
Recognized by The Root 100 as one of the country's most influential Black political leaders
Ernest & De Verne Calloway Award
Honoring 44 years of tireless effort on behalf of federal workers and the working class of America.
Today, Dr. Kelley stands at the intersection of labor advocacy and spiritual leadership—fighting tirelessly for justice, dignity, and the rights of working people while shepherding souls toward truth and purpose.
Awards & Recognition
SCLC “John S Nettles” Award (2009)
Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)
Alabama State NAACP Image Award
(2016)
National Labor Leaders Initiative Graduate NLLI
(2017)
Alabama State NAACP Image Award
(2017)
World Peace Prize - Roving Ambassador for Peace
(2019)
CBTU Professional Achievement Award (2019)
CBTU Professional Achievement Award (2019)
National Action Network - Labor Leader of the Year (2019)
Family Values @ Work Game Changer, Labor Champion Award (2020)
Federal Salary Council Appointment by President Joe Biden (2022)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2022)
Richard Trumka World Peace Prize for Solidarity (2023)
Willie Baker Jr. Award - Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (2023)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2023)
“Laureate of the World Peace Prize for Labor Leadership” (2024)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2024)
Ernest and De Verne Calloway Award - CBTU St. Louis Chapter (2025)
Board Service & Community Leadership
St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Emeritus
AFL-CIO - Board Member
Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, Board Member
Labor Roundtable - Member
APRI - Board Member
NAACP Lifetime Member
AOD Federal Credit Union- Former Supervisory Committee Board Member
Professor at Rushing Springs School of Theology
Alabama Habitat for Humanity - Board Member
Economic Development Council of Calhoun County, Alabama - Board Member
East Alabama Planning Commission - Member
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) - Former Board Member
“Cruzin” for Jesus Motor Club Inc., Founder
Rushing Springs School of Theology, Sylacauga AL - Former Instructor
Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College, Anniston Campus - Former Instructor
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) - Former Board Member
Rushing Springs School of Theology - Former Intructor
Project hope outreach Ministries - President and Founder
Awards & Recognition
SCLC “John S Nettles” Award (2009)
Lifetime Achievement Award (2014)
Alabama State NAACP Image Award
(2016)
National Labor Leaders Initiative Graduate NLLI
(2017)
Alabama State NAACP Image Award
(2017)
World Peace Prize - Roving Ambassador for Peace
(2019)
CBTU Professional Achievement Award (2019)
CBTU Professional Achievement Award (2019)
National Action Network - Labor Leader of the Year (2019)
Family Values @ Work Game Changer, Labor Champion Award (2020)
Federal Salary Council Appointment by President Joe Biden (2022)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2022)
Richard Trumka World Peace Prize for Solidarity (2023)
Willie Baker Jr. Award - Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (2023)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2023)
“Laureate of the World Peace Prize for Labor Leadership” (2024)
Named as one of the “500 most influential people shaping policy in DC”, Washingtonian magazine” (2024)
Ernest and De Verne Calloway Award - CBTU St. Louis Chapter (2025)
Board Service & Community Leadership
St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor Emeritus
AFL-CIO - Board Member
Coalition of Black Trade Unionist, Board Member
Labor Roundtable - Member
APRI - Board Member
NAACP Lifetime Member
AOD Federal Credit Union- Former Supervisory Committee Board Member
Professor at Rushing Springs School of Theology
Alabama Habitat for Humanity - Board Member
Economic Development Council of Calhoun County, Alabama - Board Member
East Alabama Planning Commission - Member
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) - Former Board Member
“Cruzin” for Jesus Motor Club Inc., Founder
Rushing Springs School of Theology, Sylacauga AL - Former Instructor
Birmingham Easonian Baptist Bible College, Anniston Campus - Former Instructor
Association of the United States Army (AUSA) - Former Board Member
Rushing Springs School of Theology - Former Intructor
Project hope outreach Ministries - President and Founder
[ PUBLISHED WORK ]
[ PUBLISHED WORK ]
[ BOOKS & AUDIO - PUBLISHED WORKS]
31 Day Walk by Faith
TO BETTER HEALTH:
A Study Guide for Churches, Small Groups & Couples
[ E.B. Kelley Ministries ]
Shepherding Those Who Shepherd Others
After 32 years of faithful pastoral service at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Kelley now dedicates his ministry gifts to supporting fellow pastors and church leaders through confidential counseling, spiritual mentorship, and practical guidance.
Shepherding Those Who Shepherd Others
After 32 years of faithful pastoral service at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. Kelley now dedicates his ministry gifts to supporting fellow pastors and church leaders through confidential counseling, spiritual mentorship, and practical guidance.
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(Testimonials)
4.9/5
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About
Dr. Everett B. Kelley
Current
Dr. Everett B. Kelley is the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the largest federal employee union representing over 800,000 workers across federal and D.C. government agencies. He assumed the presidency in February 2020.
A transformational leader, Dr. Kelley has dedicated his life to advancing workers' rights, social justice, and faith-based ministry.
Military Service
Born in Goodwater, Alabama, Dr. Kelley's journey embodies the American spirit of service and perseverance. After graduating from Sylacauga High School, he served his country with distinction in the United States Army for three years on active duty and eight years in the Army Reserves.
Professional Career
Dr. Kelley's professional career spans over 30 years at the Anniston Army Depot, where he not only served with excellence but also emerged as a powerful voice for workers' rights. He joined AFGE in 1981 and made history as the first African American President of AFGE Local 1945, growing membership from 1,200 to over 2,600 members under his visionary leadership.
Ministry
As a man of deep faith, Dr. Kelley served as Senior Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Lincoln, Alabama, for nearly 32 years before retiring in February 2019 as Pastor Emeritus. He continues his calling through E.B. Kelley Ministries, providing pastoral counseling and spiritual guidance to ministers and church leaders.
Bachelor of Theology from Selma University
Master of Theology from Rushing Springs School of Theology
Doctorate in Theology (2016)
(Achievements)
A Journey of Purpose and Service
Champion for Federal Workers
Serving a third term leading 800,000+ federal employees in the fight for workers' rights, fair wages, and dignity in the workplace
CURRENT
Reelected AFGE National President
Reelected by delegates at the 42nd and 43rd National Conventions
2022 & 2024
National President
Assumed role as AFGE National President in February 2020
2020
Pastor Emeritus
Retired after 32 years as Senior Pastor of St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church
2019
AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer
Elected AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer
2018
AFGE District 5 National Vice President
Elected AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer Elected National Vice President of AFGE District 5, the largest district in the federation. First African American to serve in this role. Grew district membership from 38,000 to over 51,000.
2011
AFGE Local 1945 President
Elected AFGE National Secretary-Treasurer
2002-2011
Entered Ministry
Called to pastoral ministry, beginning journey toward ordination
1987
Joined AFGE
Began career at Anniston Army Depot and joined the American Federation of Government Employees
1981
Our process is built on clarity and collaboration — turning your vision into results, seamlessly.
(01)
everett@ebkelleyministries.org
We begin by diving deep into your brand — understanding your goals, audience, and market position. This stage is all about alignment. We identify what makes you different and set a clear direction for measurable growth.
(02)
Creative Execution
We begin by diving deep into your brand — understanding your goals, audience, and market position. This stage is all about alignment. We identify what makes you different and set a clear direction for measurable growth.
(03)
Performance & Optimization
We begin by diving deep into your brand — understanding your goals, audience, and market position. This stage is all about alignment. We identify what makes you different and set a clear direction for measurable growth.
