Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is a pioneering faith leader, author, and national voice on leadership, equity, and social transformation. She currently serves as President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), providing executive leadership to one of the nation’s leading ecumenical organizations representing 30+ million people across 100,000 congregations.

A trailblazer in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, McKenzie made history in 2000 as the first woman elected to the episcopacy in the denomination’s more than 200-year history and later became the first woman to serve as President of the Council of Bishops. She has since built a distinguished legacy of leadership across the United States and internationally, including oversight of churches across multiple regions and continents.

Widely respected for her ability to bridge faith, public life, and community impact, McKenzie has been a leading voice in advancing social justice, strengthening faith-based institutions, and expanding opportunities for women in ministry. A prolific author and sought-after speaker, she has written extensively on leadership and personal transformation, equipping leaders across sectors to navigate complex challenges with resilience and vision.

Through decades of groundbreaking leadership, Bishop McKenzie continues to shape national and global conversations on faith, equity, and the role of institutions in building stronger, more just communities.