Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, MDiv

Reverend Allison Cannady-Smith’s ministry vision is “to exemplify the love and light of Jesus Christ; to persuade those who do not know Him to accept His saving grace; and to inspire those who do know Him to walk in His resurrection power.” Her ministry inspiration is found in Isaiah 61 and Ephesian 4.

Reverend Cannady-Smith serves as the proud Pastor of Bailey AME Church in Everett, WA and is an itinerant deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). Since assuming her charge to lead Bailey in 2017, Reverend Cannady-Smith has been walking in the vision God gave her for this special assignment: “Living our Faith – Together”. Prior to that, Reverend Cannady-Smith served on the ministerial staff of Allen AME Church in Tacoma, WA, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Anthony Steele, where she led the prayer and women’s health ministries. She currently serves as the Registrar for the Board of Examiners for the Pacific Northwest Conference of the AME Church. Reverend Cannady-Smith accepted the call to preach in 2004 while at Greater Community Bible Tabernacle in Philadelphia under Bishop Stacey W. Roberts.  She served on the ministerial staff of Greater Community until 2006 when she, husband Greg, and children Amanda and Gregory (now 22 and 18, respectively) relocated to Tacoma, WA. 

Reverend Cannady-Smith has spent the past 25 years of her professional career as a senior-level administrator in higher education, currently serving as Associate Vice President for Constituent Relations at the University of Puget Sound.  She is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.  An aspiring theologian, Reverend Cannady-Smith holds a certificate in biblical studies from the Main Bible Institute. In June 2021, she received her Master of Divinity from Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry.  She also serves on Seattle University’s The Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement. 

Reverend Cannady-Smith is a breast cancer survivor and advocate for health equity for all persons.  She has served as a consultant, facilitator, lecturer, and panelist for nonprofits and medical organizations on the importance of cultural competency in the delivery of healthcare. Reverend Cannady-Smith is a member of Leaders in Women’s Health, a grassroots coalition of nonprofits focused on addressing the racial, economic, and social determinants of health in the Black community.  She is currently at work on a book entitled “When God Chooses Medicine.”