KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 5/6/25)—The American Baptist Churches USA joins in celebration with the American Baptist Churches of New York State (ABCNYS) as Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot has been called to serve as the region’s next Executive Minister. His call was affirmed by the ABCNYS Board of Mission at a special meeting held on May 3, 2025. Rev. Hugenot will begin serving in this new role on June 1, 2025, following the retirement of Dr. James Kelsey on May 30.

Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, shared, “I celebrate the calling of Rev. Jerrod Hugenot as Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State,” said Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA. “Rev. Hugenot brings a wealth of experience, a pastor’s heart, and strong relational connections across the region. His leadership promises to nurture and strengthen the ministry of ABCNYS congregations and the denomination as we serve in Christ’s name.”

Rev. Hugenot begins his tenure as the region’s Executive Minister after more than a decade of dedicated service to ABCNYS, where he has supported churches during pastoral transitions and developed resources for congregations calling part-time and shared pastors. Known for his thoughtful leadership and deep commitment to local churches, he has built strong relationships throughout the region.

Dr. Leon Runner, president of the ABCNYS Board of Mission, shared, “We are so excited to call Rev. Hugenot as our next Executive Minister. Jerrod brings exceptional professional and practical qualifications to the position. He brings unparalleled familiarity and strong relational bonds with both the churches and the pastors of our region.”

A lifelong American Baptist, Rev. Hugenot previously served congregations in Kansas and Vermont before joining the ABCNYS staff in 2013. He is a graduate of Ottawa University and Central Baptist Theological Seminary and has served in various leadership roles across American Baptist regional and national boards. Rev. Hugenot lives in Albany, N.Y., with his wife Kerry Shermer, their beagle-mix pup, and three cats.

American Baptist Churches USA celebrates this new season of leadership for ABCNYS and prays for God’s continued guidance and blessing in the region’s and the denomination’s mission and ministry.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.