Willard G. Maxwell, Jr. is one of the most unique and innovative personalities in today’s leadership landscape. As Senior Pastor of New Beech Grove Baptist Church (Newport News, VA), Dr. Maxwell is passionate about educating and equipping those he is called to serve. However, his interactive approach to life and ministry includes creating and cultivating a culture of personal growth, business expansion and community service. In short, he believes that good relationships are an essential key to success.
Dr. Maxwell is a practitioner of what he preaches. His relationships extend past his ministry into the community. He served as President of the Newport News Branch of the NAACP; volunteer Police Chaplain for the City of Newport News; and board member on the Newport News Planning Commission, Police Foundation, and Real Estate Assessor’s Office. He is also an adjunct professor at the William Harvey Leadership Academy at Hampton University.
Empowerment is a main theme of Dr. Maxwell’s philosophy, and he leads by example.
From his upbringing in Atlanta, GA, where his mother was initially told he needed to attend “special education” classes, he has excelled to become a teacher and principal in the Atlanta Public School system. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exceptional Education (Georgia Southern University), a Master of Divinity degree (Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Argosy University). He furthered his studies by obtaining a Pastor Counseling Certification from Emory University.
Dr. Maxwell is a successful entrepreneur. He holds an active real estate broker’s license and leverages his business skills to conduct workshops for churches and community organizations regarding real estate investing, financial management and community and economic development.
While ministry, civic and business pursuits occupy the lion’s share of his time, Dr. Maxwell makes time to enjoy the arts as well as sharpen his skills. He is a respected saxophonist and standup Christian comedian and loves to share these gifts publicly.