JOHN GROSS

Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I graduated from Emory University in 1973 and later completed the Keenan Institute Executive MBA program at the University of North Carolina. I spent 43 years with Haverty Furniture Company, including 17 years in store management and 26 years serving as a Regional Manager.

Faith, leadership, and service have been guiding principles throughout my life. I helped start Christ Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, where I served as an Elder, and was also a founding family member of StoneBridge Church Community in Charlotte, North Carolina, serving there as a Ruling Elder. I was also instrumental in developing a ministry partnership that led to the establishment of a residential school in Hyderabad, India.

In the area of leadership development, I participated in The Master’s Program, a business mentoring organization similar to C12, and later facilitated three leadership groups through the program. I am also a certified Gallup StrengthsFinder Coach, with strengths in Maximizer, Strategic, Learner, Activator, and Arranger.

My volunteer work has included mentoring entrepreneurs through the Lucas Center for Entrepreneurship in Brunswick, Georgia, and providing StrengthsFinder coaching for the Global Challenge Community in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

Outside of work and ministry, I enjoy golf, piano, and cello. My wife, Edith, and I have been married since 1973 and are blessed with two grown sons and four grandchildren.