Rev. Dr. Peyton McCoy is a native of Portsmouth, Virginia, and now calls Richmond, Virginia, home. She continues to marvel at the city’s remarkable growth since her arrival. Richmond’s abundance of scenic trails and running paths has proven especially meaningful because, much to her surprise, Peyton became an avid runner many years ago. What began as exercise evolved into a cherished ritual. Her early morning runs are now a meditative, prayerful, and peaceful segment of each day.
Dr. McCoy serves as Executive Director of 31st Cares, Inc., where she is committed to advancing sustainable solutions for under-resourced residents of Richmond’s East End. Her work focuses on promoting self-sufficiency, expanding access to opportunity, and fostering holistic well-being for individuals, families, and communities.Her professional journey reflects a broad and diverse background spanning broadcast communications, corporate public relations, counseling, community development, nonprofit leadership, and church transitions. Her academic preparation includes advanced study in counseling, leadership, education, ministry, and organizational culture. Passionate about individual and collective transformation, innovative leadership, and cultural engagement, Dr. McCoy authored Walk into Your Season: The Art of Cultural Work, a work inspired by her doctoral research.
An author, speaker, workshop facilitator, and conference presenter, Dr. McCoy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and Public Relations, a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, a Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership, and a Ph.D. in Leadership, Culture, and Policy. She is also a graduate of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. In 2026, she earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in Ministry Leadership from the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University.
Dr. McCoy is a licensed and ordained minister who serves as a Ministerial Associate at the historic Thirty-first Street Baptist Church. She also serves on the National Board of Directors of Circles USA and is a proud member of the Pearls of Wisdom Book Club and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Peyton believes that life revolves around four essential elements: faith, hope, and the transforming power of those compelling twins, grace and mercy. She often says that faith will get you to first base, hope will carry you to second, and love will propel you onto third. But grace will see you safely home.
Footnote: Dr. McCoy is reportedly approaching a world record for the greatest number of Girl Scout Cookies ever consumed in a single sitting—Caramel Delights preferred. Let us pray.
