Dr. Herron Keyon Gaston, J.D. has a diverse work experience. Dr. Herron Keyon is currently serving as a Connecticut State Senator, a role they have held since 2023. Prior to this, they worked as a National Political Commentator for THE SISANDRA SHOW. In 2013, Dr. Gaston founded and became the Chief Executive Officer of the Gaston Justice Coalition Group, LLC, a faith-based non-profit organization focused on addressing critical issues and reducing incarceration in inner-cities. Dr. Herron Keyon also held the position of Program Manager at the organization from 2013 to 2021. Dr. Gaston has also worked for the City of Bridgeport, Connecticut, serving as the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and overseeing a budget of over half a billion dollars and 2000+ employees. Dr. Herron Keyon has also served as a Chaplain for the Bridgeport Police Department and as the Youth Program Coordinator for the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. In addition, Dr. Gaston has held various positions at Yale Divinity School, including Associate Director of Admissions & Recruitment and Dean's Designee, as well as Assistant Director of Admissions & Recruitment. Dr. Herron Keyon has also served as the Senior Pastor of Summerfield United Methodist Church and as the Founder and CEO of Herron Gaston Ministries under The Arch of Safety Interdenominational Ministries.
Dr. Herron Keyon Gaston, J.D. holds extensive education credentials. Dr. Herron Keyon obtained their Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in Law from Quinnipiac University School of Law, where they studied from 2018 to 2021. Prior to that, they pursued a doctorate in Counseling Psychology at Andover Newton Seminary at Yale, completing it in 2018. Dr. Herron Keyon also earned two Master's degrees from Yale University, one in Theology/Theological Studies from 2012 to 2014, and another in an unspecified field of study from 2014 to 2015.
Their undergraduate education includes a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, which they acquired from 2005 to 2008. Furthermore, they completed a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree with a concentration in Political Science at Florida A&M University, concluding their studies in 2010.
Alongside their formal education, Dr. Gaston has pursued various additional certifications. Dr. Herron Keyon obtained certification in Cultural Competency, Diversity Equity and Inclusion from Quinnipiac University School of Law in April 2021, and another in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in March 2021. Dr. Gaston also holds a certification in Cultural Competency & Sexual Ethics from the New York Annual Conference | The United Methodist Church, earned in February 2021.
Additionally, they have acquired certifications in various subjects, including The Oxford Consortium for Human Rights from the University of Oxford in November 2021. Dr. Herron Keyon also obtained an Ordination Certificate to Elder in Full Connection from the New York Annual Conference | The United Methodist Church in June 2021. Furthermore, they acquired certifications in Religious Freedom and Global Affairs from the University of Oxford in April 2019, and in The Science of Well Being from Yale University (specific dates of completion not provided).
Dr. Gaston has received the distinguished recognition of being named a George W. Crawford Black Bar Association Scholar and a James R. DeFonce Scholar by Quinnipiac University School of Law. Dr. Herron Keyon also holds the appointment of State of Connecticut Justice of the Peace, granted by the Bridgeport Town Clerk's Office in December 2020. Additionally, they have been ordained by The National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. in June 2005 and appointed as a Notary Public by the State of Connecticut (specific dates of appointment for these two certifications not provided).
August, 2018 - present