Public Servant | Educator | Thought Leader | Bridge-Builder
Dr. John Eaves is the Founder and National Director of the Black and Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow. His career is a demonstration of leadership in action. His passion for “service to others” reflects his Jewish ancestry, while being deeply grounded by challenges of racism associated with being a person of African ancestry.
Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Dr. Eaves came to Georgia as a Freshman at Morehouse College as a walk-on to the football team and rose to be a 4-year letterman and team captain by his Senior Year. While at Morehouse, John received local and national recognition for his volunteerism in Atlanta Public Schools.
Dr. Eaves got his first experience in politics while volunteering with his Uncle Reginald Eaves’ campaign for Mayor of Atlanta. Following his graduation from Morehouse, John served as National Director of the NCAA Volunteer for Youth Program and then the Southeast Regional Director of the Peace Corps. In 2006, he achieved his dream of public service by getting elected as Chairman of Fulton County–Georgia’s most populous county. During his 11-year tenure, Dr. Eaves established a reputation as a staunch advocate on Healthcare, Transportation, Voting, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform.
Dr. Eaves holds a Masters Degree in Religion from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including two (2) Fulbright Awards in Germany and Finland, and an American Memorial Fellow. He has written about the intersectionality of being Black and Jewish. As an active member of the Temple (Hebrew Benevolent Congregation) in Atlanta, he has also served in leadership roles as Chair of the Racial Justice Committee and a member of the Board of Directors.
Dr. Eaves’ passion is helping teach and mentor college students. He currently serves as a “lecturer” at Spelman College and teaches dynamic young women in the Political Science Department. Dr. Eaves is a devoted father of two adult children. He lives in Atlanta.
