1. KENNETH A. PIERCE 104 TRACE COVE DRIVE Ÿ MADISON, MS 39110 Ÿ (601) 720-1075
E-Mail: pierceken1971@gmail.com
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
IN MANAGEMENT, CLIENT RELATIONS, TRAINING & INSTRUCTION, RESEARCH & WRITING
• Co-developer and manager of a new department for a local restaurant that is part of a leading
national restaurant corporation. As a result, sales have increased to the extent that the restaurant is
in the Top Ten out of nearly 2,000 locations nationwide.
• Successfully transitioned into a corporate environment after a career in ministry management
spanning 19 years leading congregations of up to 750 members located in metropolitan, small town,
and rural areas. Developed comprehensive programs around missions, restructured and streamlined
organizations, and developed collaborative relationships that brought about measured increases in
participation and effectiveness. Completed year-long one-on-one business management training
with a leading consultant (2013 – 2014).
• Skilled writer and researcher with proficient use of on-line research tools and Microsoft Office.
• Achieved significant growth in churches across the country through innovation and programs that
met the needs of people and enhanced organizational commitment.
o At Trinity Presbyterian, led organization through extensive visioning and leadership coaching,
resulting in mission buy-in, 50% increase in community outreach and benevolence programs,
and an impact on the lives of more than 500 in the local community.
o Restructured organizations in teams, matched teams to organizational functions, decentralized
and simplified decision-making process, trained leaders, and increased member participation
by over 300% with revenue at over $1 million.
o Spearheaded the establishment of an elementary school, worked extensively with diverse
community populations in charitable projects, and developed leaders.
o Restructured an evening workshop service to be more reflective of cultural trends, resulting in
the attraction of diverse attendees and a 50% increase in overall attendance.
o Led a church with a declining socio-economic demographic to a membership increase of 30%.
o Served three terms to Overtures Committee of General Assembly and as secretary for one year.
• Effective and experienced speaker and workshop presenter, speaking to large groups twice a week
for over 19 years. Utilizes extensive research, writing, and presentation skills to design compelling
presentations to groups in a way that reflects relevancy and currency. Adjunct instructor in a four-
year university.
• Interacts effectively with people of all ages, personalities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
Business Management
Customer Service/Client Relations
Visioning & Planning
Leadership Coaching
Relationship Building
Community Relations
Organization/Restructuring
Research & Writing
Staff Recruitment & Supervision
Training & Staff Development
Crisis Management
Classroom/Virtual Instruction
Community Relations
Team Development
Counseling
2. KENNETH A. PIERCE PAGE TWO
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Hospitality Manager, Chic-fil-A – Madison, MS 2015 – Present
Largest quick service chicken restaurant in the U.S. with 1,950 locations in 42 states and D.C.
• Hospitality Manager for one of the top ten Chick-fil-A restaurants in the country. Recruited to
launch this new position focused on achieving outstanding customer service and client relations and
increase sales in a fast-paced environment, particularly with regard to catering products.
• Doubled sales over last year with a projected $8 million in revenue projected for 2016.
• In conjunction with management team, developed a new Hospitality Department for the restaurant,
centered around the corporate mission of treating each customer with honor, dignity, and respect.
Primary objectives were established to ensure the delivery of extraordinary customer service that
would drive brand loyalty by resolving or neutralizing customer issues by making it right, and
ultimately turning these customers into “fans.”
• Serves and develops relationships with high profile corporate clients such an Entergy, University
Medical Center, Comcast, and pharmaceutical representatives. Knows customers by name.
• Develops community relationships and visibility for the restaurant within the community. Involved
in the corporation and restaurant’s community enrichment and philanthropic giving programs as
well as weekly themed programs and events.
• Develops innovative programs that reflect creativity and initiative, but strictly within the corporate
mission and culture. Frequently travels to Atlanta headquarters for meetings with top management.
Adjunct Instructor, Belhaven University – Jackson, MS 2014 – Present
Instructor in in Christian Worldview, Old Testament, and New Testament in both classroom and virtual
learning environments.
Senior Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church – Jackson, MS 2007 – 2015
Senior Pastor, Draper’s Valley Presbyterian Church – Draper, VA 2001 – 2007
Pastor, Greensboro and Newbern Presbyterian Churches – Greensboro, AL 1998 – 2001
Assistant to the Minister, Seventh Reformed Church – Grand Rapids, MI 1996 – 1998
EDUCATION
Ph.D. Candidate in History (Est. graduation 2016), Aberdeen University – Aberdeen, Scotland
American intellectual history with concentration on late 19th
century South
Masters of Divinity (1996), Reformed Theological Seminary – Jackson, MS
James Henley Thornwell research fellow - Department of Systematic Theology
B. A. in History and Religion (1993), Hillsdale College – Hillsdale, MI
Summa cum laude. Senior theses in J. Gresham Machen (history) and Biblical hermeneutics (religion)
President, Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary; Phi Alpha Theta history honorary; Alpha Omega
Christian studies honorary; full tuition, half room & board scholarship based on volunteerism and
leadership
AFFILIATIONS
Leadership Development Committees (1998 – 2015) &
Overtures Committee of the General Assembly – Presbyterian Church of America
Southern Historical Association Ÿ American Studies Association