Manuel Sykes

Manuel Sykes currently serves as President of the NAACP since November 2011 and previously held the same title at the St. Petersburg Branch NAACP from January 2011 to August 2014. Sykes has been Pastor at Bethel Community Baptist Church since February 1993, overseeing all ministries, preaching, teaching, and providing counseling. As Founder and CEO of the Bethel Community Foundation, Sykes manages various community initiatives. Educationally, Sykes holds a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University and multiple degrees from Drew University, including a Doctorate in Religion and Society and a Master of Divinity. Sykes has also served as President at St. Petersburg Theological Seminary and as a Chaplain in the United States Army Reserve.