Ministerial Alliance to Name New CEO for 2027 Transition
The leadership change will align the organization's community advocacy with future redevelopment plans for St. Petersburg.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in People
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The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida has selected Markus-Derek White to serve as CEO and president starting November 11, 2027. The organization, founded in 1925, seeks to transition leadership to address long-term community advocacy and economic disparities in the St. Petersburg region.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a strategic pivot for the alliance as it manages its 22nd Street South property and positions itself for upcoming policy decisions regarding the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District. The transition aims to empower younger faith leaders to maintain the organization's century-long role in regional advocacy.
Founded in 1925, the organization is preparing for a transition that marks the end of a century-long operational chapter. Key upcoming focus areas include the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District, where redevelopment decisions are anticipated in November 2026.
The players
Markus-Derek White
The incoming CEO and president of the alliance and pastor of Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Rev. JC Pritchett II
The outgoing leader of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida stepping down in 2027.
Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida
A century-old faith-based organization focused on community advocacy and economic development in St. Petersburg.
The details
Markus-Derek White, currently pastor of Historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, was selected by the board to replace the Rev. JC Pritchett II. The leadership handoff is scheduled for November 11, 2027, to accommodate White’s education and family commitments. The alliance is positioning the 22nd Street South Legacy Center to play a more active role in the region's economic advocacy efforts.
Timeline
1925: The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Florida was founded.
2021: The organization acquired property on 22nd Street South.
October 28, 2026: Membership is expected to vote on the leadership selection.
November 2026: Anticipated decisions regarding the Historic Gas Plant District.
November 11, 2027: Markus-Derek White assumes the role of CEO and president.
Market Landscape
The transition occurs as the alliance seeks to influence the high-stakes redevelopment of the 86-acre Historic Gas Plant District. This move mirrors a wider trend of local organizations restructuring leadership to better engage with complex urban development and economic policy.
Operators in the St. Petersburg region should monitor the November 2026 development decisions regarding the Historic Gas Plant District as a signal of the alliance's evolving political influence. Businesses working near 22nd Street South should assess how the alliance's new leadership priorities may shift neighborhood development advocacy.
The takeaway
The alliance is intentionally spacing its leadership change to provide stability before key redevelopment decisions arrive. Operators should note the October 28, 2026, membership vote as the next critical indicator of the organization's internal alignment and future policy direction.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local organizational management, visit St. Petersburg People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St Pete Catalyst.
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