Dr. Aidsand F. “Ace” Wright-Riggins, III is an ordained clergyperson of the American Baptist Churches USA with over 40 years of experience as a pastor, professor, activist, denominational executive, and public servant. He serves as the Mayor of Collegeville, PA, as an Affiliate Faculty of Public Theology for the Berkeley School of Theology in California, and as an organizational development consultant.
Elected to his initial term on November 7, 2017, Mayor Ace was the first African American and the first Democrat ever elected to this office. As mayor, he has launched initiatives that convene and connect people across boundaries, fostering greater dialogue and understanding. He regularly partners with the academic, business, religious, and nonprofit sectors to achieve these goals.
Previously, Mayor Ace led a national multidenominational movement established by the late President Jimmy Carter. This movement is dedicated to racial justice and bridging theological and geographical divides. Dr. Wright-Riggins serves on the Board of Directors for the Morehouse School of Religion and the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA.
Wright-Riggins holds an earned doctorate in Family Systems Theory and Organizational Development from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. He also possesses a Master of Divinity from the Graduate Theological Union and a diploma from the Ecumenical Center for Black Church Studies. Additionally, he earned his B.A. in the Sociology of Comparative Religions from California State University, Fullerton.
Aidsand Wright-Riggins received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Benedict College, along with Doctor of Divinity degrees from Alderson-Broaddus College, Ursinus College, and the American Baptist Seminary of the West.
Mayor Aidsand “Ace” Wright-Riggins is married to Rev. Betty Wright-Riggins, a chaplain and director of religious and spiritual life at Ursinus College. Aidsand and Betty have three adult children and are raising grandchildren who attend(ed) Perkiomen Valley schools. He is active in the Rotary Club of Collegeville and his local church, Bethlehem Baptist Church in Springhouse, PA. He enjoys historical novels, blues, and gospel music.