Dr. Cynthia Parnell McDonald is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, with a deep-rooted connection as a lifelong member and third-generation pastor. Her father pastored in the 8th Episcopal District, while her mother, Mrs. Jacquelyn Coleman Parnell, was a dedicated missionary in the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) of the same district. She now has 14 years of pastoral experience and 21 years in ministry, currently serving as the senior pastor of Cosmopolitan A.M.E. Church in Atlanta, GA, in both the Eighth and Sixth Episcopal Districts.

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For the past six years, Dr. Cynthia has worked for the Department of Research and Scholarship of the A.M.E. Church, handling grants, research inquiries, conference development, and webinar moderation. She has also shared her expertise through workshops, lectures, and presentations at institutions like Payne Theological Seminary and throughout the Sixth Episcopal District.

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Her research interests lie in practical theology, focusing on engaged pedagogy, self-literacy, spiritual formation, healing-centered engagement, and the integration of informal learning systems in leadership practice, mentorship, and discipleship. Dr. Cynthia has served as a Christian education professor at the Interdenominational Theological Center, a Leadership Education Consultant, and an adjunct faculty member at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She led the redesign of the Connectional Sunday School curriculum for the A.M.E. Church and developed leadership, curriculum, and mentoring resources for future clergy and congregational leaders. Additionally, she has served as a Contextual Education Supervisor for students at Candler School of Theology, Columbia Theological Seminary, and the Interdenominational Theological Center, and as a leader for the Colloquy for Women of Color in Ministry at Columbia Theological Seminary. Dr. Cynthia currently teaches leadership courses for the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry programs at Columbia Theological Seminary and is an eCornell Course Facilitator for the Certificate in Leadership at Cornell University.

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Dr. Cynthia worked with Bishop Reginald T. Jackson and Dr. John F. Green to develop the Sixth Episcopal District (SED) Certificate Program for students in “4th year holding” under the Board of Ministerial Training. She recently served as Research Director and Grant Writer for the Sixth Episcopal District, securing the Thriving in Ministry 2020 Grant for $1 million. Overall, she has garnered over $3.4 million in grant funding for the education and development of A.M.E. clergy.

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In the community, Dr. Cynthia co-coordinated the first Tri-Regional Faith and Health Conference with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and has worked with the National Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Region IV, focusing on women’s mental health and wellness. She has provided faith communities and colleges with valuable resources on faith and mental health.

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Dr. Parnell McDonald holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Research, a Master of Education in College Student Personnel, a Master of Science in Speech Communication from The University of Southern Mississippi, a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology with a Certificate in Leadership in Church and Community from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. She has also completed five units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). Dr. Parnell McDonald is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is married to Brad, with two children, Justin (13) and Alivia (10).