Rev. Dr. Robert Ashley Whitehead, Sr. is the third of seven children born to James W. Whitehead, Sr. and the late Geraldine J. Whitehead of Portsmouth, Virginia.   He has been married to Dr. Jocelyn Henry-Whitehead for twenty-five years. They have two sons, Bobby age eighteen, and Matthew, who is fifteen years old.

Rev. Whitehead has been pastor of New Zion Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia for over fourteen years.  Since that time, the church has increased its emphasis not only in spiritual matters, but also in community involvement, education, mentoring, health issues, and stewardship.

Pastor Whitehead was educated in the public school system of Portsmouth, Virginia.  He received a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.  He earned his Masters of Divinity Degree from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.  He also holds a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He has taken additional graduate courses in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond.

Rev. Whitehead is a member of the Williamsburg Tri-County Pastor’s Council, and the Upper County Ministerial Association. Additionally, Rev. Whitehead is a board member of the Williamsburg Aids Network, a past board member of Faith In Action, and a past board member of Housing Partnerships of Williamsburg. He is on the Pastoral Advisory Council at Sentara Williamsburg Community Hospital.  He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.