Dr. Ophelia Livingston

Dr. Ophelia W. Livingston moved to Sanford in 1988 and made Lee County her home.  Evident by her impressive vita, she has demonstrated her commitment to promote her own leadership, advocate for her community and empower other women to seek leadership positions.  She defines a good leader as being “devoted and committed to the cause,” address the issues and move people together to achieve the goal. 

Dr. Livingston graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, from Salem International University in Salem West Virginia with a Master of Business Administration, from the University of Fairfax in Vienna, Virginia with a Master of Science in Information Systems and from Andersonville Theological Seminary with a Master in Theology and Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education.   

Dr. Livingston’s motivation for excellence and bringing women along was promoted by a female family member, Dr. Virginia Nybango.  Dr. Nybango earned four PhDs: French, English, Journalism and History.  Dr. Nybango taught at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.  Dr. Nybango encouraged Dr. Livingston to “excel, read and enunciate your words.” Dr. Livingston is an author of many books: Book Publishing Guide for Authors (2011), Job Descriptions For Today’s Ministry (2010), All The Praise: 52 Weeks of Praise Devotions (2009), Praise Journal (2009), and A Music Leader’s Guide to Effective Music Ministry (2008).    

In 2009, Dr. Livingston embarked on her mission to lead in her Lee County community.  She was a board member for Central Carolina Community College Board of Trustees, 2009-2013.  In November 2014, she was elected to Lee County School Board.  In November 2015, during her tenure as a school board member, she advocated and voted to transition a historical black school campus as the location for the county’s newest elementary school, now called W.B Wicker Elementary School.  W.B. Wicker Elementary is Lee County Schools first STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) curriculum school. 

Dr. Livingston “always strive for excellence” and overcame her barriers of “my blackness” and an adopted child.  She is a successful business owner of Triple J Publishing.  She opened her business in 2012 and in March 2017 was selected as NC Main Street Champion.  This designation recognizes Dr. Livingston contributions to the success of downtown programs and making extraordinary contributions to her downtown Sanford business community.   

Dr. Livingston continues to optimize her mission to promote leadership, advocacy and empowerment. She is Senior Pastor at Pittsboro Church of God.  As Bishop Ophelia Livingston, she serves as Executive Secretary for Covenant Global Consortium under the leadership of Apostle Timothy L. Warren.  She is a board member for Downtown Sanford Inc. and Lee County Department of Social Services.  She is the Former Vice President of Deep River Missionary Baptist Association.   

Dr.  Livingston traveled to Uganda, Africa in November 2019 along with other women in her ministry, donating 10 sewing machines. These sewing machines provided economic sustainability for their local communities. While in Africa Bishop Livingston preached to their congregations. 

In Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated, Dr. Livingston is “always present” and ready to serve the Sandhills Alumnae Chapter.  As a member of the Regional Chaplain committee, Dr. Livingston participated in the 2022 Easter Cantata, reading Scripture and giving her testimony. This year she was selected for Opening Prayer for the South Atlantic Chaplain’s Easter Cantata -April 16, 2023 at 5pm.  She has held numerous positions to include Treasurer 2011-2015, Parliamentarian 2015-2017, Chapter President 2017-2019 & 2019-2021, Chaplain and Internal Audit Chair 2021-2023.  She is a 2018 graduate of the South Atlantic Regional Leadership Fellows Program.   

Dr. Livingston believes women need to help guide and direct policy to help create the path for other women to join leadership positions/activities.  Dr. Livingston promotes allowing other women to shine and to always bring another woman to the leadership table.  She encourages all women to be present for leadership activities, “exercise your voice” and surround yourself with leaders.