Appointed to an initial four year term, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. was elected Chairman of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission at the agency’s first public meeting on March 23, 2004.
In February 2003, Dr. Soaries was appointed by President Bush to serve as a public director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York. He was a member of the affordable housing committee of the bank.
From January 12, 1999 to January 15, 2002, Dr. Soaries served as New Jersey's 30th Secretary of State. Appointed by former Governor Christine Todd Whitman, he managed one of the premier departments of State government and served as a senior advisor to the governor on issues that transcended traditional departmental lines.
Dr. Soaries is also the Senior Pastor of the 7,000 member First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. A pioneer of faith-based community development, Dr. Soaries has led First Baptist in the construction of a new $17 million church complex and the formation of many not-for-profit entities to serve the community surrounding the church.
Highlights of Dr. Soaries’ work include: recruiting families to become foster parents to 300 abandoned babies; helping 45 children find adoptive parents; constructing 96 new homes for low and moderate income residents to own; creating the first faith-based Cisco Technology Academy in the country; operating the Central New Jersey STRIVE program for job readiness; serving hundreds of youth in an after school center and homework club; forming a youth entrepreneurship program and redeveloping commercial real estate.
Dr. Soaries earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Fordham University; a Master of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary; and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. He has also received six honorary Doctorate degrees from institutions of higher learning. Additionally, Dr. Soaries has taught courses at Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew University Theological School, Kean University and Mercer County College.
Dr. Soaries has received numerous awards for his leadership and community service. He was recently recognized by both houses of the New Jersey Legislature for his religious and community leadership.
Dr. Soaries is married to Margaret Donna Soaries and is the father of twin sons, Malcolm and Martin.
07/13/04 - Statement by Chairman Soaries on the November, 2004 Presidential Election
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