Louise Scott-Rountree

Rev. Louise Scott-Rountree was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey and is the daughter of the Rev. Dr. Malachi D. Rountree and the late Mrs. Louise Scott-Rountree. Her mother and father insisted that she understood the importance of believing and trusting God in all circumstances, giving back and serving which ultimately prepared her for her journey of faith and ministry and public service.

She was introduced to God and service at a very early age and by the age of four, she could be found singing the Lord’s Prayer at various ceremonies in the community. Rev. Rountree attended Quitman Elementary School in Newark and completed her High School studies as a graduate of Star of the Sea/Chelsea Academy in Long Branch, N.J.

After serving in ministry for many years, she entered and completed her studies at New York Theological Seminary where she received a degree in Religious Studies and Christian Education.

Rev. Rountree is currently employed by the City of Newark and has worked in the Office of the Mayor under the leadership of Mayor Ras J. Baraka. She served as the Manager of Clergy Affairs and is the first female to be appointed in this role in the City’s history, in this position Rev. Rountree has coordinated and continues to coordinate the efforts of Newark’s diverse faith-based community, which is comprised of over 500 faith leaders. They work collectively to improve the quality of life of all Newark residents and service families through many efforts including grief support, food distribution, health and wellness. She has also served under the administrations of former Mayors Sharpe James, Cory A. Booker and Luis A. Quintana.

Rev. Rountree has served and continues to commit her works of service to the advancement of the Newark community. She was appointed by Mayor Baraka to serve on the Commission of the Status of Women and the City of Newark’s Homeless Commission. She is a member of Women of Divine Destiny; a board member of My Sister’s Lighthouse; a board member of Got Vision, an executive member of Newark’s Senior Citizen Extravaganza Committee; honorary member of the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition and has worked many years as a senior citizen advocate and a community

activist. She is also a lifelong member of the Newark National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She has received countless acknowledgements and awards for her service to her community.

At her home church, she currently serves as the Director of Church-Wide Programs, Assistant Director of the Youth Department, Assistant Director of VBS, Assistant Director of the Praise Dance Ministry, Youth Choir Advisor. She is also chair of the Scholarship Committee and a member of the Women’s Ministry. Rev. Rountree also served as interim secretary to the South Ward Clergy Alliance, and currently serves as chair and faith-based coordinator for the Newark Interfaith Alliance, and has served as administrative assistant to Rev. Dr. George A. Blackwell, III in his position as the first Vice President for the General Baptist Convention of N.J. Inc.

She created a nightly prayer call in March 2020 at the height of the pandemic that is still active today. Countless faith leaders and people from near and far call in nightly to stay unified as well as pray for the protection, peace and wellness of our humanity. In 2015 Rev. Rountree formed a group called Mayor Baraka’s Sisters Inspiring Sisters where she and several other women from different backgrounds visit high schools, elementary schools and halfway houses to speak life, inspire, and encourage our sisters.

She is the proud mother of Levar J. Scott and the doting grandmother to the beautiful Elani Aubre’ Scott. Rev. Rountree can always be found assisting and helping others and lives a life that is dedicated to pleasing God.