Dr. William Stokes

Dr. William Boyd Stokes was born in Cleveland, OH, and lives in Anchorage, AK. He attended public schools in Cleveland, OH, and graduated from John Adams High School. Dr. Stokes earned an Associate degree in Chemical Technology from Los Angeles Trade-Tech College, a Bachelor of Technology degree in management from the University of Alaska Anchorage, an MBA from Alaska Pacific University, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree with a specialization in finance from Nova Southeastern University. He has also earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.

 Professionally, Dr. Stokes has spent over 20 years in the financial services industry as a stockbroker and investment advisor. He also spent over 20 years as an environmental professional in local government and the petrochemical industry. He is currently an adjunct professor at Walden University, where he teaches graduate-level finance and mentors doctoral students. His years of experience as an Arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), combined with an intimate knowledge of the polity of the AME Zion Church, make him uniquely qualified to serve as a Lay Member of the Judicial Council. Grounded in the scholar-practitioner model, he is committed to studying faithfully and earnestly the laws and rules governing the AME Zion Church.

Dr. Stokes is an active member of various civic, professional, and fraternal organizations, including Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Toastmasters International, and the Financial Services Institute. He was elected to the Judicial Council at the 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Dr. Stokes is a 40-year member of the Alaska Annual Conference and Leake Temple AME Zion Church and has served as Preacher’s Steward, President of the Board of Trustees, President of the Local Lay Council, and many annual conference and district Lay roles.

Dr. William Stokes is married to Rose L. Frederick-Stokes. They are the parents of adult children and proud grandparents and great grandparents.