STAFF
Rev. Dr. TaNikka Sheppard
Regional Executive Minister
Dr. TaNikka Marie Sheppard is a leader of leaders who has garnered many years of shepherding, ministerial, and preaching experience. She engages with ministries and organizations around the world through her mission work, leadership coaching, ministerial experiences, and speaking opportunities. She provides workshops and leadership development programs for international leaders, clergy, and lay persons which teach them how to positively develop relevant programs and outreaches to meet the needs of vulnerable and marginalized persons in this ever-changing world, as well as ways to connect with and inspire the next generations. She has had the opportunity to speak in a variety of venues including schools, churches, colleges, community meetings, and national conferences. In addition to this, TaNikka has been fortunate to study and minister outside of the United States with ministries in India, Norway, Switzerland, Jamaica, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Germany.
​
TaNikka is the president and founder of Sheppard Leadership Solutions, a leadership development firm that helps faith-based leaders and organizations progressively “live, lead and inspire”.
​
On January 1, 2024, TaNikka began her new role as the Regional Executive Minister of the Cleveland Baptist Association, which continues to fulfill its purpose of “Strengthening local churches, since 1832.” ​
On June 1, 2024, TaNikka became the Acting General Secretary of the North American Baptist Fellowship (NABF), a diverse community of 22 Baptist denominations and groups that serve their communities through 55,000 churches and 19.5 million congregants. She is the first woman to hold this global position. Previously, she served as NABF’s Assistant General Secretary and Treasurer. TaNikka’s global leadership also extends to the Baptist World Alliance, where she serves as the 2020-2025 Vice-Chair of the Commission on Transformational Leadership. Additionally, she has served as the scholar-practitioner for Global Leadership and Institutional Reform for The Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University.
​
TaNikka is the immediate past-President of Baptist Women of North America (BWNA) and she is also a past Vice-President (2017-2022) in the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) Women’s Department. Previously, TaNikka served as the leader of the International Youth Development Department of Lott Carey, which provides national and international opportunities for youth and young adults to become compassionate and productive global citizens.
​
In 2009 TaNikka was licensed in ministry at New Salem Baptist Church (NSBC) in Columbus, Ohio under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Keith A. Troy, and she was ordained in June of 2019. However, she began her journey in ministry at the very young age of four in her hometown of Akron, Ohio. For many years she played the cello in a string quartet with her three sisters until the siblings graduated from high school and moved on to college. As an undergraduate student TaNikka saw a need for a ministry that would nurture the spirit and souls of young women on college campuses. Therefore, she founded a Christian sorority, Alpha Nu Omega in 2000. Three years later the ministry became an incorporated chapter of the national organization, which bears the same name. In 2001 TaNikka also founded the Coalition of Christian Women with a vision to build bridges across generational, racial and economic gaps and form networks that would empower women to transform their lives, families and communities.
​
TaNikka received her two B.A. degrees in Sociology and African American & African Studies from The Ohio State University in 2002. In May of 2010 she graduated from the Methodist Theological School of Ohio with a Master of Divinity degree and a specialization in Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She received her Doctor of Ministry degree in Global Leadership at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology of Virginia Union University in May of 2018. Her studies focused on leadership development, liberation theologies, and contemporary missiologies, with a research concentration among the Dalit Christian Federation in Bengaluru, India.
​
From 2008 to 2019 TaNikka served as the Director of Life Development at NSBC where she coordinated and developed ministries, worship and community outreaches for youth and college students. From 2017 to 2020 she led the Communications and Media Department, which allowed her to engage her passion for sharing the Good News in unique and transformative ways. From 2020 to 2023 she served as the Executive Pastor of The Fountain Church in Miami Gardens, Florida.
​
While TaNikka continues to be humbled, honored, and transformed by every door that God opens for her, it is only by God’s power and for Christ’s glory that she endeavors to live by the words said by Jesus in Luke 9:23, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Albertine Boclear
Executive Administrative Assistant
Albertine Boclear has served the Cleveland Baptist Association (CBA) with devotion and excellence since first stepping through its doors as a dedicated volunteer. Her journey began as a supporter of the YEP (Youth Enrichment Program), where her thoughtful feedback, tireless work ethic, and evident passion for the children and families quickly gained the attention of the CBA’s Regional Executive Minister (REM).
By 2017, she had transitioned into the role of Site Director for the YEP’s Afterschool Program— a part of the Rizpah Children’s Network—where she organized facilities, coordinated and trained volunteers, supported teachers, managed supplies and meals, and created inviting spaces for both learning and fellowship. During the challenging season of the global pandemic (2020–2021), she helped guide the program into a fully virtual format, teaching third-grade students online and ensuring that participants had the technology and resources they needed to thrive. In 2022, Albertine moved into her current role as Administrative Assistant, bringing her extensive background and commitment to service into the CBA’s administrative core.
​
​
Before her involvement with the CBA, Albertine enjoyed a long and distinguished career at AT&T, where she spent 30 years—most recently as a manager, supervising a call center team that included 15 administrative assistants. Retiring from AT&T in 2004, she carried forward valuable professional experiences in organizational management, communication, time management, and problem-solving. These skills have proven invaluable to the CBA, where Albertine now oversees correspondence, facilitates communication among churches and pastors, assists with financial processing and mission giving, manages mailings, updates the organization’s CBA’s website, resolves logistical issues, and helps administrate the committees and programs that drive the CBA’s mission.
Albertine’s calling to serve at the CBA is grounded in her deep faith and love for Kingdom work. She genuinely embraces Colossians 3:23—working “as for the Lord”—and believes that even the smallest acts of administrative support can further God’s purposes. She finds fulfillment in knowing she helps churches, teams, and pastors accomplish their ministries with greater efficiency and effectiveness. Whether she is responding to inquiries from church leaders, refining processes to reduce complexity, or praying for guidance before tackling a challenging task, Albertine approaches her responsibilities with humility, compassion, and a spirit of excellence.
As a lifelong learner, Albertine continually seeks out online trainings and workshops to expand her skillset. As the CBA looks to the future, she envisions enhanced technological systems, streamlined administrative processes, and increased accessibility that empower churches and ministries to operate more independently and with greater ease. She hopes to deepen her involvement with the broader American Baptist Churches community, attend ABC events, and support ABC Women to broaden her perspective and contribute even more meaningfully to the CBA’s objectives.
Outside of her administrative duties, Albertine has discovered a surprising source of personal growth: knitting. Though new to the craft, she has learned patience, attention to detail, and perseverance—lessons that translate directly into her work. Just as she untangles knots in yarn by carefully reviewing her stitches, she calmly addresses challenges within the CBA’s administrative functions, ensuring that small issues are resolved before they grow into larger problems.
For Albertine, serving as the CBA’s Administrative Assistant is more than a job; it is a blessing and a calling. Her faith, professional expertise, and heartfelt commitment set a standard for excellence in service, enriching both the organization she supports and the community she loves.
​
With a servant’s heart, deep faith, and more than three decades of professional experience, Albertine Boclear brings unwavering dedication and expertise to the Cleveland Baptist Association (CBA). After a distinguished 30-year career at AT&T—where she managed a team of 15 administrative assistants—Albertine joined the CBA in 2017 as Site Director for the Youth Enrichment Program (YEP). There, she oversaw facilities, trained volunteers, supported teachers, and even guided the program through a fully virtual format during the pandemic.
In 2022, Albertine transitioned into her current role as Administrative Assistant, bringing her organizational management, communication, and problem-solving skills into the administrative core of the CBA. She now oversees correspondence, assists with financial processing and mission giving, updates the CBA’s website, and ensures the smooth functioning of committees and programs. Guided by Colossians 3:23, Albertine approaches each task with humility, compassion, and a commitment to excellence—empowering churches, pastors, and ministries to serve more effectively. As a lifelong learner, she continually refines her skills, embraces new technologies, and envisions streamlined systems that will further strengthen the CBA’s impact.