Elder Rodney C. Martin, a native of Joliet, Illinois, is a dynamic leader whose life has been shaped by a passion for excellence, faith, and service. From an early age, Rodney demonstrated exceptional talent both academically and musically, excelling throughout the Joliet public school system. After graduating high school, he pursued higher education at the University of Illinois at Chicago and later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Robert Morris University.

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Rodney’s professional journey began as an HR Administrative Assistant for American Delivery Service in Romeoville, Illinois. This role ignited his passion for Human Resources and People Operations, leading him to pursue and obtain a Master’s Degree in Human Resources. Over the past 25 years, Rodney has built a distinguished career, holding key HR leadership roles across non-profit, private, and governmental sectors. His expertise spans employee relations, staff recruitment, leadership development, and succession planning. He has worked with esteemed organizations such as ABN AMRO, OSG Tap and Die, Inc., Capital Area Pediatrics, Triton Digital, AON, and Wells Fargo.

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Currently, Rodney serves as the Director of Performance and Development for a Minority Depository Institution with headquarters in Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA. Known for his advocacy for fairness and equity and his keen business acumen, Rodney continues to make significant contributions to organizational growth and employee development.

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In addition to his professional achievements, Rodney is a gifted singer, songwriter, and minister of the gospel. Reared in a Christian home as the son of a pastor, he accepted Christ at the age of seven and dedicated his life to ministry and service. Over the years, Rodney has served in various roles, including Sunday School Teacher, Minister of Music, Assistant Youth Leader, and Praise and Worship Leader. He was also a co-founder of A Chosen Generation (ACG) Ministries, a youth and young adult music ministry in Joliet, Illinois.

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Rodney officially answered the call to ministry in 1998, preaching his first sermon on July 21. His spiritual journey reached a significant milestone on August 13, 2023, when he was ordained as an Elder by Bishop Carl A. Pierce Sr., prelate of the Maryland Central Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (COGIC). Deepening his theological expertise, Rodney graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity from Berkeley School of Theology in May 2024.

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Rodney is a proud father to his daughter Sabrina and a loving grandfather to Gabrielle and Brandon Jr., cherishing the joy and inspiration they bring to his life.