I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1(NRSV)
Dr. Brenda Guess currently serves as the Chancellor of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple located in Oakland, California. Born and raised in Oakland, California, she is the fourth of five children born to the late Willie Roy and Deaconess Addie Woods. Known for her creativity, Dr. Guess just loves serving the Lord!
In July 1999, Dr. Guess accepted her call to the ministry, and was licensed and later ordained by Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., Pastor Emeritus of Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, California. One of the highlights of Dr. Guess' journey in life has been to serve as the Dean of the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple, a position she held for six years, and now because of God's goodness, she is the first female Chancellor of this great educational institution. Prior to serving as Chancellor, Dr. Guess served as Executive Pastor of Bay Area Christian Connection in Oakland. She also served as Assistant Minister of Children & Youth at Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Berkeley; and served as the Children's Minister of Allen Temple Baptist Church, founding Passage to Promiseland, a children's church ministry. With a rich background in church music, she has also served as Choir Director of the Children's and Sanctuary Choirs of Allen Temple Baptist Church, positions she held for fifteen years.
Dr. Guess is a graduate of the University of San Francisco, with a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration. She is also a graduate of the Graduate Theological Union, where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Studies. Dr. Guess holds a doctorate degree in Higher Education from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Guess recently retired from the County of Alameda as Chief Deputy Tax Collector. She was the first African American female to hold this high position. Serving as Chief Deputy Tax Collector for the past 13 years, along with numerous other managerial/clerical positions produced a career that spanned over 39 years with the County of Alameda.
Dr. Guess is the mother of two children, grandmother of six grandchildren, and one great grandchild. She enjoys reading, Biblical studies, genealogy, traveling, and collecting Black art. Dr. Guess continues to fulfill her calling by teaching and preaching the Word of God, and conducting numerous workshops and seminars. Her vision is to be of good courage and continue her service for the Lord.
