Richard R. White III (D), Detroit

Appointed January 2025; Term expires 12/31/2028

Pastor Richard R. White III personifies integrity by living by faith. Since becoming a spiritual leader, Pastor White has spiritually, financially, and numerically strengthened Dexter Avenue Baptist Church. He has worked tirelessly to set a vision for the future and make strides to bring it to fruition, including projects to beautify the edifice, continuing community evangelism and outreach, and growing church membership and ministry participation.

Pastor White is a steward of God's word within the city of Detroit and its surrounding communities. He has been elected as one of the youngest presidents of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity. He also serves as the 3rd vice moderator for the Metropolitan Missionary Baptist District Association. Previously, Pastor White has served in multiple organizational capacities, including president of the Fellowship District Congress of Christian Education, second vice president of the Metropolitan District Congress of Christian Education, general secretary for the Baptist, Missionary and Educational State Convention of Michigan, treasurer and financial secretary for the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit & Vicinity, and the financial secretary for Kingdom Building Pastors and People International.

Pastor White is a lifelong Detroiter who matriculated through the Detroit Public Schools system, earning a diploma from Communication and Media Arts High School. After graduation, he pursued higher education at the Tennessee School of Religion, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Theology. Led by God, Pastor White is a devoted husband and father. He shares an unbreakable bond with his wife, Lady D'Nita White and as a union, they are committed to Christ and pursuing his will. They are the proud parents of three children – daughters Cierra and Destini and a son Richard IV. Pastor White is a loving husband, father, son and brother.