DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. D.Min

President/CEO of Corporate Community Connections, Inc.

Dr. Soaries, a venerated leader and pioneer in faith-based community development, served as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens for three decades, significantly impacting spiritual growth and community empowerment. His notable accomplishments include founding the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation in 1992, which revitalizes underserved neighborhoods, and launching the Harvest of Hope Family Services Network in 1996 to develop permanent solutions for foster children and parents. Dr. Soaries also made history as New Jersey’s first African-American male Secretary of State from 1999 to 2002 and chaired the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, helping implement critical voting reforms.

Beyond his political and pastoral endeavors, Dr. Soaries has championed economic empowerment through the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement since 2005, aimed at fostering financial self-sufficiency, featured in a CNN documentary. He has authored 12 books, including “Say Yes to No Debt,” and hosts the weekly radio show “For Your Soul” on SiriusXM. Currently, he serves on several boards, including Independence Realty Trust and RWJ Barnabas Health, and lives in Sarasota, Florida, with his wife, Donna.

Socials