Reverend Doctor Whitley spent 22 active duty years as a commissioned officer in the Air Force before pursuing ministry. She also serves on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Women Veterans.
Sandra Gatlin Whitley is a Reverend and Doctor who has lived a life dedicated to faith, service, and patriotism. She was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and is the oldest of eight siblings. Her father served in the military, and they moved frequently, but eventually returned to Montgomery after her parents' divorce.
Whitley went to George Washington Carver High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Alabama State University. She then served 22 years on active duty in the United States Air Force as a commissioned military officer. During this time, she held various positions such as Chief and Director of Contracting, Department of Defense staff officer, master instructor, and policy-writer at the Pentagon. She also received a Master's Degree in Business Management from Webster University while serving.
Despite her successful military career, Whitley felt called to pursue ministry. She attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and earned a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in 2004. In 2015, she earned her Doctor of Ministry degree.
Whitley became an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2007 and served as Pastor for 14 years at People’s A.M.E. Church in Chelsea, MA. She is now serving as Senior Pastor at Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Bedford, MA.
Sandra Whitley and her life partner, Reverend Kenneth L. Whitley, share a love of God, travel, photography, and people. They both play important roles in ministry and enjoy spending time with their nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Whitley is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is involved in various community organizations. She was appointed by the Massachusetts Governor to serve on the Governor's Advisory Committee on Women Veterans. She has served on several board of directors, including the Rotary Club of Chelsea.
Sandra Gatlin Whitley's remarkable life is an inspiration to all who meet her. She is a teacher, preacher, author, marriage and family counselor, and an advocate for the Beloved Community. Her commitment to faith and service is a testament to the power of following your calling.