JOHNNY D. GENTRY, III

Chief Executive Officer | Community Works CDC

Johnny Douglas Gentry, III was born in Houston, Texas and raised in Central California. He endured
a troubled youth involving gangs and street life. Johnny survived the California streets through athletics and a Christian upbringing. He attended Santa Clara University in Silicon Valley where played college football and earned a B.A. in
Communications and Religious Studies.

Johnny later accepted a calling to Gospel ministry, believing that the mistakes of his youth would serve as a testimony to help others. Johnny has over 25 years of social service, community development, ministry and entrepreneurial experience. He has worked for organizations such as Civic Heart, Star of Hope and Free Indeed Ministries which he founded in 2003.

He is the CEO of Community Works CDC, a faith-based 501(c)(3) community development corporation committed to Workforce Development and Economic Redevelopment in Northeast Houston. After 20 years of service as the founding pastor of Freedom Church International, Johnny retired from the senior pastor role in 2023. He currently serves in leadership as an Elder at The Lighthouse Church with Pastor Keion Henderson.

Johnny is an entrepreneur and small business owner with over 10 years of real estate investor experience. He invests in flips, new
construction and multi-family projects. He partners in several joint ventures. Johnny enjoys helping others build wealth through real estate. He serves on several boards and community coalitions.

Johnny is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. His greatest achievement in life is successfully raising and launching his three daughters and one son into adulthood. Johnny most enjoys family time, beach time, being a foodie, and empowering others in his community to achieve social, economic and spiritual success.