Louis J. Bartholomew is a native of Oakland, California. In 1971, he graduated from Fremont High School with honors and completed undergraduate studies at Fresno State University, UC Berkeley and Golden Gate University.

On July 3, 1993, Louis J. Bartholomew married June King of Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He is the proud father of Zoee, Ivan and Joshua Bartholomew.

Mr. Bartholomew is a Maintenance Supervisor at Alameda Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit) where he has been employed for 25 years. While employed at AC Transit, Mr. Bartholomew was elected to serve on the American, Federal, State, County, Municipal, Employees (AFSCME) Union collaborative bargaining committee for Local 3916 Council 57. He also served as AFSCME Maintenance Representative, AFSCME Executive Board Representative at Large and presently serves as the elected AFSCME - Vice President. In addition,, Mr. Bartholomew serves on the Joint Labor Management Alcohol/Substance Abuse Sub-Committee (ASACOM) which monitors random alcohol and drug testing policy. Mr. Bartholomew also participated in the development of the AC Transit Whole Wellness Peer Assistance Program. He currently serves as a Peer Assistant Coordinator.

In November 1998, Mr. Bartholomew accepted God's call to Christian Ministry. He is enrolled in the Minister in Training Program at Allen Temple Baptist Church (ATBC). Minister Bartholomew and wife, June facilitate the Pre- Marital Classes and Couples Ministry at ATBC.

Minister Bartholomew completed the ATBC/Alta Bates Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program in April 2000. In association with ATBC, Mr. Bartholomew is chairperson of the "One Love 12 Step" Program. He also facilitates an Anger Management/Substance Abuse group at the ATBC Community Outreach Center in Oakland, California.

Mr. Bartholomew plans to pursue a Master of Divinity Degree and a California Association Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) Certification.