NEWPORT NEWS, VA, March 02, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Willard Maxwell Jr., EdD, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Maxwell has established a distinguished career spanning over 25 years, marked by a steadfast commitment to church leadership and community service. Since 2011, he has served as the senior pastor at New Beech Grove Baptist Church in Newport News, VA, where his leadership is characterized by extensive outreach initiatives, particularly among minority populations who often face challenging interactions with law enforcement. In his role as senior pastor, Dr. Maxwell preaches twice each Sunday and leads Bible study sessions on Tuesdays, fostering spiritual growth and engagement within the congregation. His vision for the church centers on building kingdom-minded individuals dedicated to serving their communities, a philosophy that permeates every aspect of his ministry.

Affiliated with the State of Virginia since 2011, Dr. Maxwell has served in various ways, including as a city planning commissioner, where he continues to shape urban development policies and advocate for equitable housing solutions. He also began serving as a coordinator for homeless shelters in Newport News, Virginia, collaborating with New Beech Grove Baptist Church and leveraging city grants to provide overnight accommodations during the winter months. The shelter operates from November to March, offering services seven days a week from 6:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., in compliance with zoning regulations. Dr. Maxwell's efforts have been further recognized through his role as the chair of the real estate assessor's office board in Newport News since 2024, where he oversees property assessments and contributes to city planning initiatives.

Beyond his work with the church and the State of Virginia, Dr. Maxwell has excelled as an adjunct professor at the William Harvey Leadership Institute at Hampton University since 2016, where he imparts leadership principles to emerging professionals. He has also been at the helm of his real estate brokerage, Maxwell Realty LLC, and Real Estate Information Network in Atlanta, since 2001.

Dr. Maxwell's earlier career included roles in education. He served as the headmaster at New Birth Christian Academy from 2009 to 2011, as an assistant principal at Dunwoody High School between 2006 and 2009, and as an assistant principal at Stone Mountain High School from 2005 to 2006. Dr. Maxwell began his career in the classroom as a teacher at Clarkston High School in Michigan from 1997 to 2001, and then at Stone Mountain High School between 2001 and 2005. He also served as an exploration leader at Interdenominational Theological Center from 2002 to 2006.

In the church, Dr. Maxwell's earlier success included his roles as a youth pastor and minister of evangelism at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Atlanta from 2008 to 2009, following his previous service as a community chaplain at The Forest at Columbia between 2007 and 2009. He also worked as both a youth pastor and minister of evangelism at Good Hope Baptist Church in Augusta from 2001 to 2007. Dr. Maxwell's foundational roles within the religious sector included serving as a chaplain at Crawford Long Hospital (now Emory University Hospital Midtown) from 2000 to 2001, after initially coordinating evangelism outreach and prison ministry programs at Greenforest Community Baptist Church from 1998 to 2002.

Dr. Maxwell holds a Bachelor of Science in exceptional education from Georgia Southern University in 1997. In 2002, he completed a Master of Divinity in the psychology of religion and pastoral care at Morehouse School of Religion, part of the Interdenominational Theological Center. From there, Dr. Maxwell received a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and administration from Argosy University in 2016. Additionally, he holds a pastor counseling certification from Emory University, further enhancing his capacity for pastoral care.

Beyond his work, Dr. Maxwell's civic involvement has been extensive. He is the founder of InTouch, a nonprofit organization that makes global contributions through partnerships with entities such as the Peninsula Community Development Corporation and Hampton Roads Community Action Program. His collaborations extend to Chief Drew and the Newport News Police Department, where he works to improve relations between law enforcement and minority communities. Since 2016, Dr. Maxwell has been an instrumental volunteer police chaplain for the Police Foundation (now the National Policing Institute), providing spiritual support and guidance. His commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and minority communities is evident in his ongoing partnership with the Newport News Police Department. Through a U.S. Department of Justice grant, he sustains a year-round basketball program designed to create constructive engagement between police officers and community members. Furthermore, Dr. Maxwell remains committed to youth development through involvement with World Vision, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and other organizations dedicated to empowering the youth.

Throughout his career, Dr. Maxwell has demonstrated expertise in church leadership and community service, earning recognition for his innovative approaches and dedication. In recognition of his hard work, he has been awarded prestigious honors, including the Lifetime Visionary Award from Hampton Roads Community Action Program and the Housing Visionary Lifetime Award from The National Housing Conference.

Looking ahead, Dr. Maxwell envisions establishing a commercial kitchen dedicated to safe meal preparation for those in need while expanding outreach ministries for youth engagement. He also remains steadfast about advocating for changes in local zoning laws that would enable transitional housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness, many of whom are employed yet unable to secure stable housing due to economic challenges.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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