Kemp believes love is the guide for everything he does and that the who will always matter more than the what. Programs, systems, and strategies are important, but they only matter if people are truly seen, heard, and valued. This conviction informs his leadership across faith-based, nonprofit, educational, and civic sectors. He is married to his wife, Stacy, and together they are raising six children. Kemp often says that being a husband and father is his first and most important responsibility, one that grounds his leadership in daily accountability, patience, and care for others. This commitment to family shapes how he shows up in every space he leads.

EDUCATION

Kemp earned his bachelor’s degree from The University of Akron and later completed a Master of Organizational Management with a concentration in Business Leadership from Ashford University. He is also a certified instructor in Teen, Youth, and Adult Mental Health First Aid, equipping individuals and organizations to recognize mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and reduce stigma while strengthening community care.

FAITH

Kemp serves as pastor of Streetlight Community Church, where he is cultivating a sense of community among those who strive to love first and be disciples. His leadership emphasizes mentoring and equipping members to take active roles in supporting families, youth, and the broader Akron community.

LOVE AKRON

Kemp serves as Executive Director of Love Akron, where he actively seeks to influence positive change by Connecting, Convening, and Collaborating with change-makers to make a Collective Impact across Greater Akron. With a relationship-first approach, Love Akron works to strengthen families, support youth, and build mentally healthy, resilient communities, while fostering individuals who embrace cultural humility and strive to be relational activists. Under Kemp’s leadership, the Locker Room Experience was crafted in 2022. Now in its fourth year, the program has welcomed over 300 youth, who have launched student-led initiatives to improve attendance, reduce tardiness, strengthen school culture, and address violence, partnering alongside coaches, community leaders, and Love Akron to drive meaningful change.

PUBLIC SAFETY

His commitment to accountability and public trust is reflected in his role as Chair of the Akron Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, where he works alongside community members, law enforcement, and city leadership to strengthen transparency, improve relationships, and ensure systems serve people with fairness and integrity. The board has been charged with reviewing use-of-force complaints and making recommendations to improve policy and practice, ensuring that accountability and fairness remain central to public safety.

COACHING

As Head Football Coach at Garfield High School, Kemp uses football as a platform to help young people build a sense of identity and overcome generational challenges, guiding them toward becoming healthy citizens, fathers, and leaders in the community. Under his mentorship, program participants have achieved a 100 percent graduation rate, preparing them for college, career, or service while developing the skills and resilience to thrive both on and off the field.

BOARDS & AFFILIATIONS

•  Leadership Akron

•  Summit County Children Services

•  First Tee

•  Co-Chair, Summit County ADM Board’s Change Direction initiative

•  Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

•  100 Black Men

Whether in the church, a boardroom, or on the field, Kemp is committed to one thing: making sure people are seen, heard, and valued.