Rev. Dr. Tecoy Porter Sr. is a pastor, civil rights leader, strategist, educator, and community advocate whose work bridges faith, public policy, education, business, and social justice. For more than 25 years, he has served as Senior Pastor of Genesis Church in Sacramento, California, leading a ministry committed to spiritual formation, community empowerment, educational opportunity, and civic engagement.
Since becoming Senior Pastor in 1999, Dr. Porter has guided Genesis Church beyond the traditional boundaries of congregational ministry. Under his leadership, the church has become an important community institution in Sacramento’s Meadowview neighborhood. In 2003, he spearheaded the development of the Dr. Robert Porter Family Life Center, a multipurpose facility supporting worship, athletics, youth programming, and community outreach.
Dr. Porter’s commitment to education also led to a partnership with the Fortune School network to establish Tecoy Porter College Prep on the Genesis Church campus. Opened in 2020 and named in his honor, the school expands access to educational opportunity for children and families in South Sacramento. The school reflects his belief that churches and community institutions must help prepare the next generation to lead, achieve, and thrive.
As President and Executive Director of the National Action Network Sacramento Chapter, Dr. Porter leads civil rights advocacy throughout California’s capital region. He helped establish the chapter in 2018 following the death of Stephon Clark, responding to the urgent need for police accountability, criminal justice reform, and a stronger organized voice for communities affected by injustice. Under his leadership, NAN Sacramento has expanded its work to include educational equity, economic opportunity, corporate accountability, voting rights, youth leadership, and public-policy advocacy.
In 2024, National Action Network recognized NAN Sacramento as its Chapter of the Year. In 2025, Dr. Porter received the Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker Social Justice Award at NAN’s Keepers of the Dream Awards. The award honors the legacy of one of the architects of the modern civil rights movement and recognizes leaders whose work exemplifies faith in action. In 2026, Dr. Porter was named National Action Network’s Western Region Justice Fighter of the Year in recognition of his sustained leadership in advancing justice, equity, and opportunity.
Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Dr. Porter to California’s State Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in November 2024. He also serves as co-chair of the committee’s Policy and Legislative Advocacy Subcommittee, helping elevate community and youth voices, monitor legislative developments, and advance more equitable approaches to youth justice.
Through Porter Strategies Group, Dr. Porter advises organizations and leaders working at the intersection of community engagement, public affairs, faith, leadership development, and social impact. His ability to build relationships across the religious, corporate, nonprofit, and governmental sectors has made him a trusted convener and strategic partner. He is also a sought-after speaker whose message challenges leaders to unite faith, vision, innovation, and action.
Dr. Porter earned a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership and Leadership Coaching from Regent University. He holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State University, Sacramento, as well as a Public Leadership Certificate from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He previously served as an adjunct professor at William Jessup University and Epic Bible College, teaching courses in leadership, business management, and ethics. He is also a Senior Fellow of the American Leadership Forum.
His service has been recognized by the United States Congress, the California State Legislature, the NAACP of Greater Sacramento, the City of Elk Grove, the Sacramento Kings, and numerous civic and faith-based organizations. Across each area of his work, Dr. Porter remains focused on building institutions, strengthening leaders, and creating pathways to opportunity for communities too often excluded from positions of influence and power.
Dr. Porter has shared more than three decades of marriage with his wife and ministry partner, Lady Karlette Porter. They are the proud parents of three children: Tecoy Jr., Kamarion, and Kara. Grounded in faith and family, Dr. Porter continues to pursue a calling centered on justice, service, leadership, and lasting community transformation.