Host Bishop and Missionary Supervisor
Dr. Brian R. Thompson Sr.
Host Bishop and Presiding Prelate of the Western Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Rev. Dr. Brian R. Thompson, Sr. is a native of Chapel Hill, NC, with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Augustine College and advanced degrees from United Theological Seminary. In 2020, he earned his Doctor of Ministry, focusing on church growth. He was elected the 106th Bishop of the AME Zion Church in 2021, overseeing the Western Episcopal District. With a history of service since 1994, he has led congregations to growth, notably increasing membership at Simon Temple. Presently, he also serves as the Presiding Elder of the St. Croix District in the U.S. Virgin Islands Annual Conference.
Rev. Felica R. Thompson
Missionary Supervisor of the Western Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Rev. Felica R. Thompson of Fayetteville, NC, holds a Bachelor of Science from St. Augustine’s University and is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Liberty University. Ordained since 2006, she's dedicated to education and mentoring. At Simon Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, she led the Women of Excellence Ministry for over a decade. Engaged in community service, she serves on the Board of Directors at the Child Advocacy Center of Cumberland County. A prolific author and host of the Free To Be Me Radio Talk Show and Podcast, she's deeply involved in ministry alongside her husband, Bishop Brian R. Thompson, Sr., in the Western Episcopal District. Proud parents of Alexis and Brian II, they cherish their family and ministry.
Presiding Elder
Rev. Gloria Clemons-White
Presiding Elder
Bay Cities District
California Conference
Rev. Gloria Clemons-White, originally from Mobile, Alabama, is a graduate of the University of South Alabama and pursued further education at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, and Western Theological Seminary, focusing on a Masters in Divinity. She holds the role of Presiding Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, overseeing the Bay Cities District. Actively involved in her community, she is a member of several organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, the Links, Incorporated, and the NAACP. Reverend Clemons-White is a respected conference speaker, having addressed various groups nationwide and internationally, including Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in Africa. Proudly a mother of five children and grandmother to six, she emphasizes the importance of an enduring faith, firm commitment, and love for God and His people above all else.
Host Pastor and First Lady
Rev. Kaloma A. Smith-Pastor
Host Pastor
Kaloma Smith, born in Jamaica and raised in Mt. Vernon, New York, is a pastor dedicated to community transformation. After successful roles in corporate leadership, he answered his divine calling and was ordained in 2013. As pastor of University AME Zion Church in Palo Alto, California, he has led significant growth and revitalization efforts, attracting a younger, multicultural congregation. Beyond his pastoral duties, Pastor Smith is actively engaged in civic endeavors and is a sought-after speaker on church revitalization and leadership principles. He resides in Palo Alto with his family, continuing to strengthen the church's connection with its community.
Larin Smith
First Lady
Larin and her husband moved from New York to the Bay Area in 2013. They live in Palo Alto with their two sons, Henry and Avery. Larin has worked at Stanford University for ten years and is currently an Associate Director of Development at Stanford Graduate School of Business. She takes great pleasure in serving as the First Lady of University AME Zion church and loves her life on the West Coast. With her prior experience as an event manager at New York University School of Law, she is excited to host and offer her expertise for the 2024 California Annual Conference.
Larin also enjoys running half marathons and is a big foodie!
