Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins
Rev. S. Tarnace Watkins, Sr. is a distinguished leader whose influence spans ministry, business, community mangagement, and economic development. Born in Rome, Georgia, to the late Deacon Tony and Carrie Mae Perkins-Watkins, he was reared with a strong foundation of faith, integrity, and perseverance alongside his four oldersiblings—Deborah, Paula, Lori, and Marti.
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A proud product of the Rome City Schools, Rev. Watkins graduated from West Rome High School and went on to pursue a diverse and accomplished educational journey. He is an alumnus of the United States Naval Technical Academy, Villanova University, and the American Institute of Banking, and received theological training from Carver Bible College. This strong academic background laid the foundation for a lifetime of impactful service to both his country and community. ​
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Rev. Watkins served honorably in the United States Navy for eight years, demonstrating leadership and excellence that would shape the trajectory of his professional life. Following his military service, he established a remarkable track record in banking, finance, and economic development. As President and CEO of Apex Community Development Partners, he continues to lead transformative initiatives aimed at revitalizing underserved communities through capital investment, strategic planning, and sustainable growth.
He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Paradise Community Development Center, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to connecting individuals and families to vital resources that promote holistic well-being. In the private sector, Rev. Watkins held the role of Assistant Vice President in banking, where he worked in community development, lending, and underwriting for over 15 years. He also served for more than a decade as the Tax Allocation District (TAD) Redevelopment Manager, where he played a critical role in financing over $1 billion in development projects—helping to reshape Downtown Atlanta and its surrounding neighborhoods.
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Additionally, Rev. Watkins served as the inaugural Director of Economic Development for the Grove Park Foundation, where he led efforts to drive equitable commercial growth and expand business capacity for BIPOC entrepreneurs in Grove Park and the greater northwest Atlanta corridors. Simply put, Rev. Watkins is both a servant and a transformer in the City of Atlanta.
In ministry, Rev. Watkins has faithfully served since 2005. His first pastoral appointment was at Bryant Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he led for eight impactful years. Under his leadership, the church grew from 15 members to over 255. He later served as Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church–Atlanta for five years,
during which he guided the church through a visionary and trailblazing graft with Paradise Missionary Baptist Church. Today, he serves as Executive Pastor andChief Business Officer of Paradise, working alongside Lead Pastor Rev. Dr. Charles A. Harper III. Together, they lead a ministry grounded in biblical truth, dedicated to community service, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Throughout his ministerial journey, Rev. Watkins has led thousands to Christ under the power and anointing of the Holy Spirit. His dual calling to ministry and the marketplace has uniquely positioned him to meet both the spiritual and practical needs of the communities he serves.
Rev. Watkins is a devoted husband to Lady Jacquetta Watkins, and together they are the proud parents of three exceptional children: Sennya (TJ) Watkins, Jr., Myles Anthony, and Morgen Elise. His life and legacy reflect an unwavering commitment to faith, family, and visionary leadership that continues to transform lives and communities
alike.