Rev. Kenny Irby

Servant leadership describes the life of REV. KENNY IRBY. His international ministry is rooted in Christian service. Presently pastoring the 128 year-old congregation at Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Petersburg Fla., and he’s passionate about teaching: be it the good news of Jesus Christ around the world, talking across difference, race equity and overcoming obstacles. He is known for his outreach ministry to men and youth “in need”.

His 2016 mayoral appointment as the first Director of Community Intervention & Juvenile Outreach for the St. Petersburg Police Department is one of the greatest challenges of his career. He is also the co-creator and current president of Men & Women In the Making program, an innovative role modeling and academic enrichment program for minority youth.

Both efforts strive to redirect and restore hope in the lives of youth.  He manages the City of St. Petersburg’s Not My Son (safe summer) campaign and launched the Cohort of Champions. Rev. Irby rendered 13-years of service as an Episcopal Officer, leading The Sons of Allen (SOA) Men’s Ministry and was the first Media Ministry Director for the state of Florida and Commonwealth of the Bahamas which earned him The Bishops Award from the West Coast Annual Conference. 

His board labor includes: National Press Photographers Foundation, Vice Chair for Cross & Anvil Human Services and Vice Chair of the Trustee Board for the Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg. 

In all that the does, he champions Diveristy, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). He is driven by a love for GOD and humanity.