Step into the Steps Coalition and meet our board members. Meet John Kemp, who joined the Steps board of directors in 2020.
What caused you to join the STEPS Coalition? "The opportunity to be a part of a result oriented organization exemplified by action driven leadership."
What has been your favorite STEPS project? "The architectural preservation of African-American and/or minority communities."
What project(s) do you most want to see STEPS do next? "The Main Street project that rejuvenates historic East Biloxi that focuses on using this part of town as a revenue producer based on its rich culture and history."
John Kemp, Director: John is a native of Biloxi where he graduated from Biloxi high in 1986. After high school, he served in the US Army as a Nuclear weapons specialist in Germany until his retirement. After leaving Germany, John worked for Walmart in distribution and loss prevention for seven years, and upon returning to Mississippi, went to work at the Beau Rivage in loss prevention and front services management as the first African American director of casino security in Mississippi. John is a graduate of Middle Georgia Technical Institute and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College where he earned a marketing management diploma and associate’s degree. He also attended Strayer and Tulane Universities and later completed his bachelors and masters of science in business management. John’s awards include but are not limited to The Hormel Foods Inspiring People Award, the Top 10 Community Leaders of the Gulf Coast Award, the Biloxi Fire and Police Department Achievement Award. Johna is also a two-time Army Achievement Medal recipient. The father of 3 sons, Jontrez (34), Savéair (17), and Torsten (10), John enjoys spending time them, watching sports, listening to music, and writing.