About Me

Rev. Kevin T. Taylor has served as Pastor of Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, NY, since June 2021. His very initial sermon, “Move Out of Your Comfort Zone: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” (Matthew 14:22–33), preached in July 1997, continues to define his ministry and professional journey. 

He has faithfully served congregations in Alabama, California, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, leading with a message of courage, vision, and transformation.

Known for blending tradition with innovation, Rev. Taylor has introduced creative ministries such as Speaking Truth to Power Tuesdays (engaging elected officials on justice issues), Encouragement Sunday (sending notes of uplift to extended families), the Summer Literacy Challenge (helping students stem summer learning loss), and #BlackGirlMagic, a celebrated program honoring girls of color. His ministry consistently integrates worship, social justice, intergenerational care, and creative outreach.

Beyond the pulpit, Kevin is a seasoned executive leader with more than 20 years of cross-sector experience across education, nonprofits, and startups. He most recently served as Chief Finance and Talent Officer at the Connecticut RISE Network, securing nearly $500K in cost savings while advancing equity for high school students. His leadership portfolio also includes service as Interim CEO and CFO of Greentown Labs, North America’s largest climatetech incubator; CEO of City on a Hill Charter Public School, where he led a successful turnaround during the COVID-19 pandemic; and COO of KIPP Massachusetts, directing regional finance, operations, and DEI initiatives. Earlier in his career, he managed $70M in educational product divisions at Scholastic, Inc. and led finance for Achievement First, supporting network growth from 20 to 29 schools across three states.

A native of Ann Arbor, MI, and proud product of Tuskegee University—one of the nation’s premier HBCUs—Kevin studied political science and mathematics. This academic foundation sharpened his analytical skills and strengthened his ability to lead complex organizations. His leadership and service have earned recognition from Marquis Who’s Who (2025), 100 Men of Color, the National Council of Negro Women, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., among other civic and community organizations.

In addition to his pastoral and professional responsibilities, Rev. Taylor serves on the Advisory Board of the CC Taylor Foundation, a philanthropic organization named for his grandparents, Rev. Charlie E. and Cinderella S. Taylor, which supports students in higher education. He is also an instructor on Church Financial Administration through the First District Ministerial Institute Consortium and serves as Chair of Christian Education for the Western New York Conference.

Kevin’s ministry and career in public service are marked by a deeply personal touch. He enjoys traveling, listening to audiobooks, and spending quality time with his family. He is also widely known for his extensive greeting card ministry, sending personal notes of encouragement, memorial tributes, and seasonal reflections that comfort grieving families, inspire hope, and strengthen bonds within the church and broader community.

Looking to the future, Rev. Taylor aspires to expand his denominational impact by seeking election as General Secretary/Chief Information Officer of the A.M.E. Church, with the long-term goal of serving as a Bishop. Through preaching, teaching, writing, community engagement, and his pastoral creativity, he continues to live out his calling as a pastor, educator, and change agent—building bridges across generations and equipping communities for spiritual and social transformation.