John L. Givens III
John L. Givens III is a distinguished veteran, community leader, and entrepreneur with a career defined by service and organizational excellence. Born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, John demonstrated early leadership as Student Body President and a varsity athlete at Lower Richland High School.
Military Service & Global Leadership At seventeen, John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he established a reputation for exceptional troop handling and tactical proficiency. His rapid ascent through the ranks culminated in a meritorious promotion to Sergeant (E-5) at age 19. During his service, he completed several overseas deployments, including Okinawa, Tokyo, Manila, and Seoul, as well as combat service in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
Throughout his nearly decade-long tenure—encompassing both active duty and the reserves—John held vital leadership billets, including Senior Drill Instructor and Motor Transport Maintenance Chief for a Light Armored Infantry Battalion. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) in under seven years, a testament to his technical expertise and command presence.
Public Service & Corporate Operations Following his military service, John transitioned into law enforcement, serving as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff and an Oceanside Police Officer. He later moved into the logistics and transit sectors, holding management roles at Airborne Express (DHL) and a 22-year career with the North (San Diego) County Transit District. There, he rose through the ranks from Coach Operator to Assistant Operations Manager, overseeing dispatch, in-service training, and regional operations until his retirement in 2025.
As an entrepreneur, John founded Givens Charities Inc. and Givens Transport Corporation, where he currently serves as President and CEO, focusing on specialized logistical solutions for the transportation community.
Ministry & Academic Achievement A dedicated man of faith, John has been a Licensed Minister since 1993. He served as an ordained Deacon for over 30 years at St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Thomas W. Davis Jr. Complementing his professional experience, John graduated cum laude from Ashford University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management. He is also a published author, having penned the collection Poetry In The Spirit.
Personal Life John has been married to his wife, Ann, since 1985. Together, they have raised three children—Anthony, John IV, and Yvette—whom he considers his greatest achievement. John remains committed to fostering a society that values quality contribution and character, embodying these values through his ongoing work as a minister, mentor, and business leader.