Ken Korver, President

Vocation: Pastor, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Paramount CA

Hometown: Paramount CA

Background: Ken has served as president of the Compton Initiative board since it was founded in 2006. He began attending Emmanuel Church in Paramount, CA with his family in 1971, has been a pastor there since 1984 and its senior pastor since 1999. Ken helped Emmanuel serve the people of Paramount with its Looking Good community restoration program from 1988-91 and began looking westward to Compton with the same vision a decade later. Witnessing renewal in Paramount inspired confidence that painting and cleaning properties with the people of Compton will lift the city and bless the region.

Family: Ken has been married to Lisa since 1983. They have three children and are grateful for a young grandson.

What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is that the Compton Initiative will unite hundreds and hundreds of organizations and 10,000 plus people in loving, lifting, serving, beautifying, enhancing, and transforming the much loved city of Compton. We made a 40-year commitment to the city and have just completed ten years.”

What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton work day is seeing the mutual joy of those serving and being served as a house is transformed and everyone feels loved, accepted, noticed, important and cared for. A close second is watching 1500-2000 people disperse to 30 sites from the rally at 7:40am. I always have a tremendous sense of gratitude and anticipation in that moment.”

How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “I have grown through the Compton Initiative as I have met thousands of people who are loving, gifted and want the best for the people of Compton. I’m inspired by their unselfishness and I want to imitate that.”

Ken Korver, President

Vocation: Pastor, Emmanuel Reformed Church, Paramount CA

Hometown: Paramount CA

Background: Ken has served as president of the Compton Initiative board since it was founded in 2006. He began attending Emmanuel Church in Paramount, CA with his family in 1971, has been a pastor there since 1984 and its senior pastor since 1999. Ken helped Emmanuel serve the people of Paramount with its Looking Good community restoration program from 1988-91 and began looking westward to Compton with the same vision a decade later. Witnessing renewal in Paramount inspired confidence that painting and cleaning properties with the people of Compton will lift the city and bless the region.

Family: Ken has been married to Lisa since 1983. They have three children and are grateful for a young grandson.

What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is that the Compton Initiative will unite hundreds and hundreds of organizations and 10,000 plus people in loving, lifting, serving, beautifying, enhancing, and transforming the much loved city of Compton. We made a 40-year commitment to the city and have just completed ten years.”

What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton work day is seeing the mutual joy of those serving and being served as a house is transformed and everyone feels loved, accepted, noticed, important and cared for. A close second is watching 1500-2000 people disperse to 30 sites from the rally at 7:40am. I always have a tremendous sense of gratitude and anticipation in that moment.”

How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “I have grown through the Compton Initiative as I have met thousands of people who are loving, gifted and want the best for the people of Compton. I’m inspired by their unselfishness and I want to imitate that.”