Dr. Carlton P. Byrd is the President of the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SDA) with headquarters in Dallas, TX. He is a graduate of Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL with dual degrees, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management. He is also a graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN, where he earned the Master of Business Administration Degree, and a graduate of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI, where he earned both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry Degrees. In his 31 years of pastoral and administrative leadership in the states of Alabama (including the Oakwood University Church in Huntsville), Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas, Dr. Byrd has baptized over 23,000 persons, constructed and renovated churches and schools, and served on numerous denominational and community boards. From 2010 to 2021, in addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Dr. Byrd also had the privilege of serving as the Speaker/Director of the Breath of Life Television Broadcast, one of the legacy television ministries of the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During his tenure at Breath of Life, nearly 20,000 persons were baptized (inclusive of the aforementioned 23,000 total), four churches planted, six national holiday television specials produced, and financial assets increased by 1,000%. Since his tenure began as Southwest Region Conference President in 2021, major growth has taken place in the conference. In his first four years as President, the conference has averaged a nearly one million dollar annual tithe gain! Also, baptisms have greatly increased in the conference as over 2,500 individuals have given their lives to Jesus during this period! Tangible conference debt has also been eliminated during Dr. Byrd’s tenure, coupled with major physical plant construction and renovations occurring at the conference campground including the construction of a new 400 seat chapel, three hotel lodges, health food store, office building, an amphitheater, and “Kids’ Kingdom” – a playground inclusive of a water splash pad, rock climbing wall, obstacle course, gazebo, and playground equipment. The recipient of numerous awards and achievements, one that stands out for Dr. Byrd is his induction into the prestigious Morehouse College Board of Preachers in 2008. Dr. Byrd is happily married to his wife of twenty-seven years, the former Danielle Mounter, and they are the proud parents of three daughters, Christyn, Caileigh, and Carissa.
