About Our Founder
Rev. Dr. Gerald D. Austin, Sr.
Founder, CEO and Executive Director
An engineer, ordained minister, educator, and entrepreneur, Dr. Austin has spent his career helping people develop their abilities and create opportunities for others.
His work connects practical problem-solving with a commitment to human dignity. That approach continues through MEGA International Legacy Foundation and its principles: Motivate, Educate, Grow, and Advocate.
“People of any good faith should be people of good will.”
Rev. Dr. Gerald D. Austin, Sr.
From engineering to community service
Dr. Austin began his professional journey in electronics, earning his bachelor’s degree in electronic engineering from DeVry University in 1974. After working with Texas Instruments, he returned to Birmingham, Alabama, and established Austin Electronics, designing laboratory prototypes for the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Engineering.
In 1977, he joined General Electric’s Medical Systems Division as a field service engineer. His technical career developed alongside a growing commitment to ministry, education, and neighborhood opportunity.
Building places for people to grow
The work that became The Center for Urban Missions began in 1985 and was incorporated in 1986. Under Dr. Austin’s leadership, TCUM connected educational enrichment, workforce readiness, family support, and community engagement in Birmingham.
In 1990, he founded New City Church in downtown Birmingham as an intentionally multiracial congregation. The church and TCUM brought together his commitments to faith, reconciliation, and practical service. He was named Pastor Emeritus in 2006.
In 2007, he launched MEGA International & Associates LLC, a separate consulting business focused on organizational strategy, government contracting, leadership development, and capacity building.
In 2023, he re-established MEGA INTL Legacy Foundation, formerly The Center for Urban Missions, to carry the nonprofit’s work forward through education, entrepreneurial and leadership development, and advocacy.
Read Our HistoryA commitment to learning and leadership
Education
Dr. Austin holds a B.S. in Electronic Engineering from DeVry University (1974), a Th.M. in Theology from Grace Theological Seminary (1995), and a Doctor of Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University (2008).
Continued learning
His professional development includes a certificate in Religion, Values & Public Life from Harvard University (2001), executive management certification from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (2012), and the Certified Federal Contracting Professional credential from the Government Contractors Association (2018).
Writing and teaching
His publications include A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Board Governance and Operations (2007) and Fund Raising: A Nonprofit Toolkit (2013). He also contributed to A Mighty Long Journey in Race Relations (2003).
Recognition
His biography records the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023 and an honorary doctorate in humanitarianism that same year, recognizing his commitment to service.
Service in DeKalb County
Dr. Austin’s civic work includes service on the DeKalb County Charter Review Commission. He also serves as Co-Chair of the county’s SPLOST II Resident Review Committee, which supports transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending.
Through MEGA, that commitment to community continues with Pathways to Peace, an approved 12-week school pilot in DeKalb County. The program helps students practice conflict resolution, empathy, legal awareness, and accountability.
Explore Pathways to PeaceMeet the foundation behind the mission
Learn about MEGA’s leadership, values, and work to help people learn, lead, and contribute to stronger communities.
Meet Our LeadershipBiographical details draw on Dr. Austin’s biography supplied by MEGA. Civic roles are documented by DeKalb County: Charter Review and SPLOST II Resident Review Committee.