L.J. Jennings has a broad and diverse background in business, community engagement, housing development and ecumenical affairs. Over the past 40 years LJ has owned and operated a successful real estate and mortgage company, developed several affordable housing projects and started several nonprofit organizations. Currently LJ operates a 100-bed transitional housing facility for formerly incarcerated individuals, a 72-bed pre-release men’s facility and a 52-bed facility for youth aging-out of foster care. In addition, he operates two mental health facilities and two sober living homes for individuals recovering from drugs and alcohol. His re-entry services extend into Cleveland Ohio, where he operates a 36-bed transitional housing facility, a 28-bed mental health program and 20,000 multi-purpose resource-center for community development. He serves as president of his community development company, leads a consortium of churches in the Bay Area, all while pastoring a thriving and growing church in Oakland California.

As a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry, His experience covers the breadth of the real estate industry serving nationally, statewide and locally within the major real estate associations in America. His experience extends into the mortgage financing arena and the utilization of tax credits, pooled funds and neighborhood stabilization funds. Over the last 10 years, Jennings has redefined his services and now spend a majority of his time in Non-Profit housing development and turning vacant and blighted sites into homes for low-income persons and marginalized communities. In addition, he assists non-profit organizations in building their capacity, expanding the community engagement process and providing technical assistance to faith-based organizations. L.J. prides himself on giving back to the community.

He currently serves in the following capacities:

• Chief of staff for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Inc.
• President of the Sales Division of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB).
• President of the East Oakland Community Development Corporation; a nonprofit housing and community development organization.
• Fiscal Agent, Founding and Steering Committee Member of the East Oakland Entrepreneurship Forum; a collaboration of Eco-System partners that deliver services to small businesses.
• President of the Heartland Merchants Association; leading small black business owners with technical assistance on business incubation and capital acceleration.
• President of the Bay Area Community Benefit Organization; an ecclesiastical body committed to building the social service capacity of churches in Alameda County.

He has held numerous local, statewide and national leadership positions in both civic and religious capacities. He is frequently called on by elected officials for input and comments on proposed legislation. He is a valued community voice and is influential in local politics. In addition to his many responsibilities, he is the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship.

L.J. is an accomplished speaker, teacher and presenter, frequently sharing his insight and knowledge with audiences across the United States. He is a thoughtful, creative and motivating executive leading many individuals and organizations to realize their full potential. His heart is serving and serving with excellence.

LJ holds a Doctorate in Theology from Sacramento Theological Seminary, an Honorary Doctorate in Ministry from Bell Grove Theological Seminary, a Masters and Bachelors in Christian Education from CH Mason Bible College. He also attended California State University Hayward, where he majored in Political Science and Business Administration. He is a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Courses. A lifelong resident of Oakland, he is married to Karen Jennings and together they have three lovely daughters, Jasmin, Lauren and Lena.