Larry L. Macon, Jr.

Term: 2023-2027
Residence: Cleveland, Ohio  

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine appointed the Rev. Larry L. Macon Jr., J.D., to the Kent State University Board of Trustees. Macon will serve through May 16, 2027, fulfilling the unexpired term of Johnathan Holifield.

Macon is a pastor, leader, author, business executive, motivational speaker and recording artist. He currently serves as senior pastor and bishop of Mt. Zion Church in Oakwood Village, Ohio, serving a congregation with more than 6,000 members.

“I am proud to be of service to the state of Ohio and this great university for such a time as this,” Macon said.  

Previously, Macon served as vice chair of the Board of Trustees for Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio. As a former co-host of WKYC-TV’s “Live on Lakeside” show, Macon highlighted people in the community who were doing great things for others and promoted small business owners in the Greater Cleveland area. He also has held positions with the Bedford City School District, Cleveland State University, Valencia College, the University of Central Florida, the U.S. Congress and Allstate Insurance.

Macon has devoted his life to helping others through teaching at conferences, writing books and coaching individuals who seek his counsel. His philanthropic efforts include organizing the Haitian relief efforts and Hurricane Katrina rescue efforts for Mt. Zion Church in the 2000s. During the pandemic, Macon was a strategic partner with the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging in Cleveland, where he helped organize a program that fed more than 750,000 meals to seniors who were unable to leave their homes.

Macon earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Central Florida, a master’s degree in theological studies from Liberty University and a Juris Doctor from Florida A&M University College of Law. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.