Carolyn Cavaness

Rev. Carolyn C. Cavaness is the daughter of the late Rev. Harold Cavaness and Ms. Karen Cavaness. A fourth-generation preacher, Rev. Cavaness is a graduate of Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, with a major in Urban Studies with a concentration in Economics. During her time at Barnard, she served as President of the Student Government Association, Vice President of Student Government, President of the Columbia University Gospel Choir, and President of Black Church at Columbia. She was involved in many other activities and boards. 

Rev. Cavaness graduated in May 2011 from Union Theological Seminary in New York City with a Master of Divinity degree. Before enrolling in seminary, Rev. Cavaness was deputy finance director for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton's historic campaign for President. Barnard College employed her as Officer to the Barnard College Annual Fund. She was also Finance Director for New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Carolyn was also Director of Development for George Jackson Academy in New York City. 

Rev. Cavaness served for eight (8) years as New Jersey Conference YPD President of the AME Church. On August 15, 2012, Rev. Cavaness was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, pastor of First AME Church, Sharon Hill, PA. On May 18, 2014, Rev. Cavaness was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Ardmore, PA, the first female pastor in the church's 28-year history.   On January 1, 2022, Rev. Cavaness was elected the first female President of the Main Line Black Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.  

She is blessed to serve on various boards and initiatives, including Chair - Bethel Academy, Board Member - Interfaith Philadelphia, Vice-President- CommUNITY Breakfast of the Main Line, Executive Committee Member - Main Line NAACP Executive Committee, Treasurer - AME Ministerial Alliance of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Vicinity Treasurer, and Treasurer - Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity. 

She desires to use all her God-given talents and gifts to reach and help as many as she can. She lives by the statement, "Only what you do for Christ shall last."