David Grandgeorge

In 1987, David Grandgeorge and his family moved to Berea so he could accept the position of minister of the First Christian Church. Since then he has enjoyed many roles in Berea and doesn’t have plans to leave anytime soon.

David Grandgeorge - Courtesy of Brunner Studio

Grandgeorge grew up in Arkansas and obtained a Bachelors degree in Agriculture Business and Economics from the University of Arkansas. He then made a home there and was a rice and soybean farmer. But it wasn’t long until he received the call to ministry and began searching for the school that fit his desires. He decided that Lexington Theological Seminary was the best fit for what he was searching for and moved to Kentucky. He progressed through Seminary and received his Masters of Divinity. Berea’s Christian Church received Grandgeorge’s guidance for twelve years. He then worked as the Health Planner for the Madison County Health Department. However, his most recent position was taken a little over a year ago, in June of 2002, as the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Madison County. His office is now in Richmond, where he works through Habitat to build a better environment for local families.

Grandgeorge has also been active in numerous volunteer and elected positions. He once served on the Berea Volunteer Fire and rescue squad, he was president of the Berea Retirement Community Incorporated, served as Vice President of the Berea Chamber of Commerce, served as chair of the Ethics Committee for Berea Hospital, and was President of the Berea Lions Club twice. Yet, he still finds some time to do things he enjoys. Today he still serves as a Football official for High school games. He also has a private pilots license and enjoys flying when the opportunity is available. One of his most noted recognitions is his award as Man of the Year in 1997.

While his accomplishments and involvements are numerous, he maintains a family life at home that he regards as his greatest pride and accomplishment. Grandgeorge’s wife, Becky, works as the office manager in the Economics and Business office at Berea College. Together they have two children, Russell and Catherine. Russell has recently graduated from College and is working in a school system in Minnesota. He is also engaged and planning his wedding for August of next year. Their daughter, Catherine, is attending college in Wooster, Ohio and currently considering a major in the music field. Grandgeorge feels that raising his children, with his wife, and watching them become the wonderful people that they are, is the greatest personal accomplishment he has achieved.

Currently Grandgeorge is busy working at the Habitat office as they gear up to build their 50th house in Madison County, and planning a possible house blitz in Berea for next fall. He says he enjoys the nice and interesting people of Berea, appreciates the progressive community that Berea is, and is thankful for the opportunities that his children had growing up in Berea. He hopes that Berea maintains its unique character for years to come, and plans to remain near and watch it progress.

Written by Hannah Billings