Reverend Kenneth L. Woodson, BA, MCP, MTS

Reverend Woodson has been a member of the Mt. Carmel Church for over thirty-five years. Past ministry leadership responsibilities include Church School Superintendent, Trustee and the Deacon Board ministries, and president of the Young Adult Fellowship. He has also served as a member of the Board of Directors of Mt. Carmel Gardens Inc. for more than twenty years.

In addition to his religious affiliations Reverend Woodson is an active member of several civic, and business organizations including AZA National Government Affairs Committee, the East Parkside Historic District Coalition, the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs, and the University of Pennsylvania Netter Center for Community Partnerships. He is also Chair of the West Philadelphia Community Trust Board.

In 2014, Mayor Nutter appointed Reverend Woodson chair of the Department of Licenses and Inspections Review Board (LIRB).

Reverend Woodson was employed by the Philadelphia Zoo for 26 years, retiring in 2019 as the Vice President of Community and Government Affairs.  In his current role, Reverend Woodson is the owner/operator of Kenneth L. Woodson L.L.C., a consultancy specializing in the development of community and government engagement strategies for the government and not-for-profit sectors.

Reverend Woodson is the recipient of numerous awards including: Lifetime Achievement Award, Mantua Civic Association; Business Association of West Parkside, 2019 West Parkside Ambassad2019 Ministry of Administration Award, Philadelphia Baptist Association; or Award; 2013 President’s (Obama) Volunteer Service Award; Distinguished Service Award, Netter Center for Community Partnerships, University of Pennsylvania; Service Award as National Chair Government Affairs Committee, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA); Echoes of Africa Spirit Award; Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Service to the East Parkside/Mantua Community from the United States Attorney, Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Reverend Woodson’s academic credentials include:

• Boston University – Bachelor’s Degree – Economics
• University of Pennsylvania – Master’s Degree – City Planning
• Palmer Theological Seminary- Master’s Degree – Theological Studies

Reverend Woodson’s life verses are:

• Psalm 23
• Hebrews 11: 1