Although he retired from the Port Authority of Allegheny County in 2001, Floyd Cephas has found a new calling that he is passionate about. As Executive Director of the North Side Christian Health Center he can truly live out Jesus’ directive in Matt. 25:36 “I was sick and you visited me”.
The motivation behind Floyd’s involvement in charities and nonprofits is rooted deeply in his religious convictions. He currently serves on the board of trustees of Shady Side Academy, Boys and Girls Club of Western PA, Career Connection Charter High School, Family Guidance Inc., National Fatherhood Initiative Advisory Board, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Real Estate Development Committee, The Fund for the Advancement of Minorities Through Education, and the Bethany Baptist Church Deacon Board.
Floyd is an amiable and jovial man with a sense of humor he describes as “corny-fresh off the cob!” And besides his prodigious attention to helping others, Floyd is a family man of three children, and married for 32 years to his wife Shirley Ann. In a recent phone conversation, Floyd revealed he first met his wife on the 4th of July. “ Fireworks exploded, she took my breath away, and I’ve had trouble breathing ever since!” The rest of his family is also active in charitable pursuits. Shirley Ann was involved with Youth Guidance, a Christian mentoring organization, teaches Sunday School, and is a deaconess. His two older children, Cynthia and Floyd, JR. (Chip), are involved with youth and young people at their church, and their youngest son Dan, who is currently a college freshman, participates in the church choir and youth group.
Floyd’s hobbies include photography, singing, and playing the drums, which he says “is as natural as wearing my own skin.” The Gospel group he and Shirley were members of produced three albums and toured California two years in a row, giving performances in major cities along the coast and traveling into Mexico.
Since Floyd has been able to line up his passion with his skills, he is dedicated to serving others until change happens. He is grateful to be in a position of advocacy for the under-served population of the North Side.
Favorite Restaurant? Eat’N’Park. It has served as everything from a family gathering place to an altar.
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met? Still waiting to do that.
Who is your hero and why? My Father. He raised ten children without ever wavering in his commitment to my mom and us. He was solid.
If a movie were made of your life, who would play your part? Bill Cosby
Do you have any Pets?No. I have three children.
What one-word/words describe you best? Can and Willing to Do.
What word/words would you like others to use to describe you? Handsome, Debonair, Humble
What was your first job? Soda Jerk at Goode’s Pharmacy in Homewood
What are your volunteer activities? Board of Trustees of Shady Side Academy, Family Services of Western PA, Boys & Girls Club of western PA, Career Connections Charter High School, Fund for the Advancement of Minorities Through Education, Family Guidance Inc. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Real Estate Development Committee, National FatherHood Initiative Advisory Panel, Bethany Baptist Church Deacon Board.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? He loved, He laughed, He cried, and he banged on those dang gum drums.
What is your greatest indulgence?Watching the Marx Brothers and the Three Stooges
What or who is the greatest love of your life? Jesus Christ
What is your most treasured possession? The love that I possess for my family and friends.
What is your current state of mind? Peaceful
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Marrying my wife Shirley and being blessed to raise three loving ,caring children that have a servant’s heart
What is the quality you most like in a man? Honesty & Integrity
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Honesty & Integrity
Favorite books / Writers? Holy Bible, The Grapes of Wrath
What is the best advice you have ever received? Things ain't always what they seem.
Which social event is your favorite? Manchester Craftsman's Guild Jazz Series
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? ? Impatience
