Dr. York is Chief Operating Officer of Empowering Community Leaders Network, (ECLN)—a nonprofit that provides leadership mentoring, educational and cultural enhancement experiences for middle school girls in Frederick County, Maryland.
He has served as Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Ashland Theological Seminary (ATS), in Ashland, Ohio. Prior to being a faculty member and director at ATS, Dr. York served honorably as a Navy chaplain.
He retired in February, 2009 at the rank of Captain with over 29 years as a military chaplain. He is presently the Program Manager for Religious Programs at Headquarters, Commander, Navy Installations Command located on the Washington Navy Yard.
Key military leadership assignments include Command Chaplain, USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73); Program Manager for Chaplain Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO)/ Head, Religious Ministry Team Professional Development (N097D); Navy Medicine Chaplain/Special Assistant for the Navy Surgeon General; Staff Chaplain and Religious Ministry Administrator for National Security Agency/Central Security Services; and, Special Assistant for Pastoral Care for Commander, Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical. Dr. York received a B.A. in Political Science from Tulane University in 1976; a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree from The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia in 1981; and a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2008. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Mobile, Alabama (the only seaport city in the state!) is his hometown.
In addition to various campaign and service decorations, Dr. York’s personal awards include Legion of Merit (two awards), Joint Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), and, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards). The Association of Professional Chaplains extended him status as Honorary Member (2008). He and his bride of 39 years, Phyllis, are the proud parents of two adult children. Their favorite pastime is delighting in spending time with their two grandsons, ages 12 years old and 6 years old.