Rev. Abraham Smith
📋 Board of Directors
Board Member-at-Large — The Empathy & Resilience Center, Inc.
Rev. Abraham Smith, Jr.
Faith Leader • Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force • Educator • Community Advocate • 50+ Years of Service • Washington, D.C.
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Rev. Abraham Smith, Jr.
Board Member-at-Large
The Empathy & Resilience Center, Inc.
50+ Years of Faithful Service
Retired Lt. Colonel, U.S. Air Force — 27 Years
Founder, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (1997)
Pastor, First AME Church of Alexandria, VA (2009)
M.Div. — Howard University
Native of Pineville, Louisiana
Board Member Profile
A Lifetime Built on Faith, Service & Community
Rev. Abraham Smith, Jr. is a respected faith leader, retired military officer, educator, and community advocate whose lifelong commitment to service has positively impacted individuals, families, and communities for more than five decades. A native of Pineville, Louisiana, Rev. Smith earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Southern University before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1969. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1973, he honorably retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 27 years of distinguished military service.
Rev. Smith holds a Master's in Educational Sociology from Wayne State University, an MBA in Hospital Facility Administration from Webster University, and a Master of Divinity from Howard University — a rare combination of military, academic, business, healthcare, and ministry experience that has enabled him to serve diverse populations and address complex social, educational, and community challenges.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
Founded 1997 — Northeast Washington, D.C. Ministry centered on faith, service & community empowerment
First AME Church of Alexandria
Appointed Pastor 2009 — Alexandria, Virginia. Continued spiritual leadership & community outreach
Rev. Smith brings to The Empathy & Resilience Center a wealth of experience in servant leadership, faith-based community engagement, education, organizational development, and mentorship. His dedication to serving others aligns closely with TERC's mission to expand access to behavioral health services and strengthen resilience in underserved communities. He and his wife, Vicky, have built a legacy of faith, service, and leadership through their family and their continued commitment to uplifting others.
"I come not to be served, but to serve."
— The guiding principle Rev. Smith lives and leads by, modeled after Jesus ChristAreas of Expertise
Faith-Based Leadership & Community Engagement
Military Leadership & Veteran Advocacy
Education & Youth Development
Organizational & Ministry Development
Community Outreach & Service
Strategic Leadership & Mentorship
Healthcare Administration & Management
Family & Community Empowerment
Meet the Full Board of Directors
TERC is governed by a team of dedicated professionals committed to mission integrity, ethical leadership, and community impact.
