Mrs. Lula K. Howard, Interim President
As a long-time member of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Lula Howard has been active at her home church, Stoner Memorial A.M.E. Zion, where she has taught Sunday school, sung with various choirs, and been Trustee Board Chairperson. Currently, she is a Deaconess, the Coordinator for Children’s Church, and the local Lay Council President. As a member of the Missionary Society at Stoner, she has also been active in the ecumenical group Church Women United of Louisville, where she has served as President and been honored with the Valiant Woman award. In addition, she has served in the Madisonville District as Director of Children and District Secretary. She has been Secretary of the Kentucky Conference and is the immediate past President of the Kentucky Conference Lay Council.
Lula Howard became active on the Connectional Lay Council, serving as Education Chair, First Vice President, and Seventh General President. She is currently serving on the Restructuring Commission. She has been a member of the following committees or commissions: General Conference Secretariat, Commission on Discipline Codification, Publishing House Board, Resolution and Revision. Lula has been active with the International Ministers and Lay Association for several years. She presented “The Changing Face of the Laity” in one of the annual sessions. In 2009, she was elected to serve as the association's Financial Secretary; in February 2017, she was elected its First Vice President.
The Reverend Dr. Myrtle Bowen, Second Vice President
Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen is the Presiding Elder for the Harrisburg District in the Philadelphia and Baltimore Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Area. As a servant leader, she empowers others to fulfill their purpose and destiny across the Harrisburg District, Pennsylvania.
In May 1985, Dr. Bowen graduated from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Engineering. She has successfully served as an Architectural - Civil Engineer for the Federal Government.
Dr. Bowen began her ministry on February 14, 1992, at John Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C. In May 1995, she graduated from Howard University School of Divinity with a Master of Divinity Degree. In May 1997, she received her Doctorate Degree after completing her dissertation, "Developing a Biblical Theology of Healing from Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence"
Dr. Bowen has distinguished herself as a pioneer in many areas. She was the first woman Pastor of Contee A.M.E. Zion Church, Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church (Washington, DC), and Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church (Rockville, MD). She is also the former Pastor of Gibson Grove A.M.E. Zion Church (Bethesda, MD) and Unity A.M.E. Zion Church, Severn, MD.
Chaplain Myrtle Bowen is the first African American Woman Chaplain promoted to the rank of Colonel serving in the United States Air Force Air National Guard in its 73 years of existence. Chaplain Colonel Myrtle Bowen is the Air National Guard Assistant to the Command Chaplain, Africa Command, Kelley Barracks, Stuttgart, Germany, which comprises over 122,000 Military personnel. Also, Chaplain Bowen was the first African American Woman Wing Chaplain assigned to the District of Columbia Air National Guard and the first African American Woman Chaplain to serve at Arlington National Cemetery.
Rev. Dr. Chaplain Col. Myrtle Bowen is a renowned preacher and teacher both nationally and internationally. Dr. Bowen is much sought after for her lectures and motivational speeches. She also represents the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church while serving in local and civic organizations, which include The Social Justice Board of the National Council of Churches, secretary for the Board of Codification, member of the Board of Christian Education, and a Life Member of the International Ministers and Lay Association. Dr. Bowen brings a sense of dedication and zeal to this position.
The Reverend Dorothy A. Patterson, Executive Director
Rev. Patterson is a vehicle of change, understanding that all great transformations must start and end with self. Hence, she is intentional about self-examination.
Rev. Patterson is an ordained Elder in the AME Zion Church and the Pastor of Wallace Temple AME Zion Church in Bayonne, NJ. In addition, she is the president of WTCARES, a non-profit organization, and a community relations specialist for the City of Bayonne. A Past President of the Bayonne Rotary Club, Vice President of the Bayonne Chapter of NAACP, Coordinator for the Bayonne Interfaith Clergy, Spiritual Liaison for the Jersey City District Ushers, NJ Conference Studies Instructor, Jersey City District Treasure, VP of Hudson County Black Pastors Association and a Paterson Alumni Leader of the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (Outreach Ministry).
She is the mother of one son, Harrison, the godmother of Thadtishia, Janelle, and Abijah, and the grandmother of Genesis.
Rev. Patterson is an unapologetic spokesperson for justice. Justice and only justice shall you pursue. (Deuteronomy 16:20)
She advocates for children and has taught in the Paterson Public School System and directed two Abbott Preschool Programs. She is an educator by profession and holds a BS. Degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education from SC State University in Orangeburg, SC. P-3 certification from Mount Claire State University in New Jersey. Master of Divinity from Drew University Theological Seminary, Madison, NJ, where she credits for stretching and molding her beyond her comfort zone. She is currently a Police Chaplain seeking Chaplaincy Board Certification. (CPSP)
One of her favorite individuals is Mother Theresa, who epitomizes the ministry of missions. Rev. Patterson loves mission work as she has been to Israel, South America, and Africa several times, spending from three weeks to three months at a time. She is currently the assistant to the presiding Elder of the Guyana annual conference.
Most importantly, she is a woman seeking God’s vision for her life. She is persuaded that the Word of God must be lived and proclaimed.
Ms. Marie Denise Niles, Secretary
Denise is a native New Yorker—she was born and raised in Brooklyn. She attended private elementary and secondary schools and matriculated at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, where she majored in Sociology and urban studies.
For 32 years, she was employed as an Executive Assistant to the Pastor and Church Administrator at the historic Varick Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Brooklyn, New York, under the pastorate of The Rev. Dr. Calvin B. Marshall, III (now retired). For the past 8 years, she has been an active member of Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Harlem, NY. She serves as Financial Secretary of the Board of Trustees, a member of the Deaconess Board, Missionary Society, Lay Council, and a member of the Music Ministry. On the District Level, Denise has served as Financial Secretary of the New York City District for the past 16 years and also serves on the New York Annual Conference Finance Committee. She has served as an Alternate Delegate to 2 General Conferences and volunteers on the staff of the Convention Manager, The Rev. George McKain, II.
In July 2007, she decided to begin a second career in real estate and joined forces with Crossings Realty in Queens, NY. She has established herself as a competent sales agent and property manager. Denise became active in the International Ministers and Lay Association in the mid-90s and worked closely with the Membership Committee under Ms. Joyce Zimmerman. In 2009, she was elected 2nd Vice President and served two terms. In 2017, she was elected Secretary of the Association and looks forward to working with our new Leadership Team to lift the Association to higher heights.
Ms. Carlous Tyrance, Assistant Secretary
Carlous Elaine Tyrance was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to Mr. Dewey Henry and Mrs. Christer Belle Pollard Tyrance. She was educated in the Onslow County, North Carolina School system, graduating from Georgetown High School in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Upon graduation, Ms. Tyrance enlisted into the United States Army, receiving her basic training from Fort McClellan, Alabama, and Advanced Individual Training in Communications at Fort Gordon, Georgia.
While on active duty, Ms. Tyrance was recognized and awarded for many distinguished achievements, including the Bronze Star, the Military Service Medal, six Army Achievement Awards, seven Good Conduct Medals, and a Gold Recruiting Badge. Additional military and civilian education opportunities included Mobile Subscriber Equipment School, a Technical Community Course in Bad Tolz, Germany, and an Advanced Non-Commission Officer’s Course at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Ms. Tyrance retired from active duty on December 31, 1994.
Since completing her honorable service, Ms. Tyrance has called Charlotte, North Carolina, her home. She is an active African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church member, with membership at Marvin AME Zion Church in Waxhaw, NC. In addition, she serves the AME Zion Church as a member of the Board of Directors of the Dorothy Walls Conference and Retreat Center, member of the West Central North Carolina Conference Finance Committee, the Piedmont Episcopal District’s Finance Committee, Secretary, Department of Supply of the Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society, member of the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP. She is also an “official hugger” for the Special Olympics.
The Reverend Dr. David T. Miller, Treasurer
Rev. Dr. David T. Miller was born and raised in Catawba County, NC. In 1995, while attending Clinton Junior College, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, and in 1998, he accepted his calling into the ministry at the age of twenty-four. Pastor Miller graduated from Clinton Jr College, received his B.A. from Livingstone College, and received a Master of Divinity Degree from Hood Theological Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary.
Rev. Miller is happily married to Marie Miller (Rochester, NY), and they have two sons, Ellis and Emerson. Rev. Miller has received many spiritual gifts, including service, humor, healing, listening, discernment, peacemaking, and negotiation. His ultimate desire for ministry is to be where God has called him to be and use his gifts and talents to glorify God. His favorite scripture passage is Genesis 18:14: “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”
The Reverend Dr. Maurice Harden, Financial Secretary
The Rev. Dr. Maurice Alexander Harden is a highly sought-after preacher, presenter, and lecturer. He has ministered nationwide at various conferences, churches, and schools. His passion for helping people understand and reach their divine purpose drives his ministry.
Dr. Harden is a native of Windsor, Connecticut, and was born and raised in the A.M.E. Zion Church. He developed his Christian roots at the Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Hartford, CT. At Metropolitan, Dr. Harden was mentored by his father, Bishop Kenneth Monroe, who was in the ministry. In 2002, he accepted his call to the ministry.
To properly prepare and equip himself for ministry, he entered Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He then went to Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, NC, where he received a Master of Divinity degree. At 28, he received the Doctor of Ministry degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. His project is entitled “Mentoring Ministers in The Local A.M.E. Zion Church.”
While a student at Livingstone College, Dr. Harden served as a Youth Minister at Rush Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, Raleigh, NC. After completing his undergraduate degree, Bishop George W.C. Walker Sr assigned him to his first pastoral charge, Cathey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, Charlotte, NC. From Cathey Memoria,l he went on to serve the following congregations: New Hope (East Spencer, NC); Marable Memorial (Kannapolis, NC); and New Mt. Olivet (Rock Hill, SC). He is now the proud pastor of the Rush Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, Raleigh, NC.
Dr. Harden is also an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member, where he has served as the Chaplain for the Association of North Carolina Alphamen, Deputy Area Director, and Assistant Area Director.
Dr. Harden has served in various capacities in his community and the A.M.E. Zion Church, including as a representative to the Pan-Missouri Commission, Campus Minister for Clinton College, Founding President of My Brother’s Keeper-Rock Hill, member of the Discipline Codification Commission, Statistics and Records Board, and Regional Vice President for the International Ministers and Lay Association.
Dr. Harden has four children: Trevarus, Tianna, Sean, and Phylissa.
The Reverend J. Martin Bouler, Sr., Chaplain
Rev J. Martin Bouler, Sr. was born in Fort Mill, SC, and still resides in his hometown. He is a pastor in the Rock Hill District, South Carolina Conference, part of the South Atlantic Episcopal District. He has served as pastor of China Grove in the Rock Hill District, South Carolina Conference; David Stand in the Lancaster District, Pee Dee Conference; and Pleasant View in the Spartanburg District, Palmetto Conference. He is the Pastor of the Red Oak AME Zion Church in Rock Hill District, South Carolina Conference. He earned an Associate’s degree in religious studies from Clinton College and a diploma in Christian ministry from Hood Theological Seminary. He has worked on several conferences and local boards in the AME Zion church. Rev. Bouler has served on the Finance Committee, the Holy Orders Committee, and as the Home Missions board chair for the Pee Dee Conference.
Additionally, he has served as the Budget & Finance chair for the Lancaster District of the Pee Dee Conference. He has also worked on several civic advisory boards, such as The Springs Close Foundation, First Citizen’s Bank, and School Improvement Councils. Rev. Bouler has been employed with Comporium Communications for 36 years. He is married to Chantay Forney-Bouler, the Recording Secretary for the WHOMS. They have been married for 38 years and have three children and one granddaughter.