Rev. Dr. Sean P. Gardner is the Senior Pastor and Chief Executive Officer of the East Ward Missionary Baptist Church, located in the Village of East Harlem, New York. Dr. Gardner has not only been the senior pastor of the East Ward Missionary Baptist Church for the last 20 years; but has also completed a 20-year career in the New York City Police Department as the rank of Detective. Dr. Gardner decided to trade in his uniform and preaching robe when the residents of the 8th District NYC Council expressed ongoing concerns to him within their communities, and decided to run for the New York City Council.