| Karen L. Bennett is a native of Richmond Virginia. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Physical Therapy from Howard University in 1979, where she graduated with honors. She subsequently
received her Master of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology from Georgia State University and her Master
of Divinity Degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in December, 2008. Representative
Bennett moved to Georgia in 1985, and has resided in DeKalb County since that time. Most recently, Rep.
Bennett was elected by an impressive majority to serve in the Georgia General Assembly as State
Representative of District 94; representing citizens in both DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties.
Professionally, Karen is a licensed Physical Therapist and is the President and CEO of Metro Therapy
Providers, Inc. in DeKalb County; a pediatric therapy provider service offering physical, occupational and
speech therapy to her clients. She has been recognized for her work as a gifted administrator by the Atlanta
Business League, Black Enterprise Magazine and the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia. Bennett has
served on several boards, both civic and professional. In her community she has served most recently as her
county commissioner's appointee to DeKalb County's Revenue Enhancement Commission, the appointee to
the DeKalb County Citizens Green Space Bond Fund Oversight committee and as District 1 representative to
the Land Use Committee. Bennett has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the DeKalb
Business Incubator, providing start-up incubation services to area small businesses. Bennett has served on the
Board of Directors for the Physical Therapy Association of Georgia and as an advisor to the Physical Therapy
Association of Georgia for matters pertaining to children with special needs. She has spent many years serving
the State of Georgia's Babies Can't Wait program as the physical therapy representative to the Tri-Alliance
therapy advisory council and has been an advocate for Children with Special Needs and their families to have
accessible and adequate health are. Rev. Bennett is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and has
served as a member of the 100 Black Women of DeKalb County. She is known for her dedication, hard work,
caring spirit and passionate advocacy in community service and for the rights of others.
In addition to working as a professional and community advocate, Mrs. Bennett is also an Ordained
Itinerant Elder since 2009 in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she accepted her call to the
ministry in 2003. Bennett is currently serving in her second appointment as pastor of the New Hope AME
Church in Hoschton, Georgia. Her first appointment to serve as pastor of New Saint Mark AME Church in
Athens Georgia in May of 2010 was made by Bishop William P. DeVeaux, presiding prelate of the Sixth
Episcopal District in the A.M. E. Church.
Prior to serving as pastor, Rev. Bennett's heart for ministry and people was also demonstrated through
her work in the church. Bennett served as an Associate Minister at New Bethel AME Church (NBC) in
Lithonia Georgia, where she was instrumental in developing the New Bethel youth church. She has served in
both youth and senior ministries as well as in the administrative ministry of the church. Reverend Bennett has
taught youth Sunday School, youth, adult and senior bible studies and has worked intimately in the life of the
church by participating on numerous committees. In addition to her local church commitments, Rev. Bennett
served with distinction as the Atlanta East District's Coordinator for the "Women In Ministry" component in
the Sixth Episcopal District and currently serves as the Augusta-Athens District's Women in Ministry
Coordinator.
Biographical Sketch
Reverend Karen Leeper Bennett
11/20/2012
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Prior to pursuing ordained ministry, Reverend Bennett served on various boards within her local
church and community, to include the Steward Board, and the Women's Outreach Ministry. Rev. Bennett has
served as chairman of the Board of Directors for the New Bethel Senior Center and as a member of Bethel
Enterprise; New Bethel's non profit entity. Her work with the NBC Senior Center filled her passion for
various aspects of care for her the elderly.
Married to Leroy Bennett, Reverend Karen Bennett and her spouse are the proud parents of two
children; Jabari and Asha who currently attend college. Her love for God and for others is extended through in
all aspects of her life through her ministry and community service. |