Dr. Robert A. Whitehead, Sr., Pastor
Dr. Robert Ashley Whitehead, Sr. is the third of seven children born to the late James W. Whitehead, Sr. and the late Geraldine J. Whitehead of Portsmouth, Virginia. He has been married to Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead for over forty-two years. They have two sons, Bobby, and Matthew, and two daughters-in-law, Monica and Gabrielle (Gabbi). They are the proud grandparents of two grandsons, Robbie, and Noah.
Dr. Whitehead has been pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia for over thirty-one years. Since that time, the church has increased its emphasis not only on spiritual matters but also on community involvement, education, mentoring, health issues, and stewardship.
Pastor Whitehead was educated in the public school district of Portsmouth, Virginia. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. He earned his Master of Divinity Degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He has taken additional courses in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond. Pastor Whitehead completed his Doctor of Ministry Degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with an emphasis on Leadership and Renewal.
Dr. Whitehead is a member of the Williamsburg Tri-County Pastor’s Council, and the African American Fellowship (AAF) of the Baptist General Association of Virginia. He is a board member of the Williamsburg Health Foundation and the Virginia Baptist Foundation. He is a past board member of the Williamsburg Aids Network, which was eventually renamed, A Hope 4 Tomorrow, Inc., a past board member of Faith In Action, and a past board member of Housing Partnerships of Williamsburg. He has served on the Pastoral Advisory Council at Sentara Regional Medical Center in Williamsburg, Virginia, and was a volunteer chaplain at that facility. Pastor Whitehead is a life member of the York-James City-Williamsburg Branch of the NAACP, and he is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Whitehead is an advocate for education and assists with working with individuals, groups, and schools for a better community. He has taught classes and facilitated workshops for congregations in leadership, stewardship, and building programs. He mentors seminary students and pastors.
Prior to Pastor Whitehead serving as full-time pastor of New Zion, he was bi-vocational and employed in the Accounting and Finance Department with the former Circuit City Stores, Inc. at its corporate offices in Richmond, Virginia. He was employed there for over fourteen years and was a part of their management and leadership team.