JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri Baptist Foundation has named Christopher "Chris" Calmer as its new president. With a unanimous vote on Aug. 12, the board of trustees approved the nomination of Calmer as president, effective immediately.
Since joining the Foundation staff in 1997, Calmer has served as the agency's director of accounting, controller and vice president of operations.
Chris Calmer
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"Chris' knowledge and vast experience within our organization makes him a natural president," said Verna Haun, who chaired the search committee.
"He has helped us fulfill our mission for many years and he is passionate about the work we do," she added.
Calmer follows James R. Smith, who retired as MBF president after serving from 1993 to 2010. "We are grateful to Dr. Smith for his many years of outstanding service and we know Chris will continue his great work," Haun said.
Smith is now the president of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Foundation, based in Atlanta.
During his tenure at the Missouri Baptist Foundation, Calmer has overseen all accounting operations. He helped manage more than 1,000 client accounts valued at over $140 million and served as chair of the investment review committee, which makes recommendations for individual client accounts as well as recommendations to the board.
"As we look forward to the coming year, the economic climate will continue to be a challenge for the Foundation," said Tom Ogle, MBF trustee chair. "We're confident that Chris will continue to give the solid advice our clients have come to expect and value in a difficult and changing economy."
A lifelong Baptist, Calmer is music minister at Parkade Baptist Church in Columbia. He serves on the board of advisors for Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home in Harrisburg and is the supervisory committee chair for the Missouri Baptist Credit Union.
He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting from Missouri State University and is a certified public accountant, a certified financial analyst and a member of several CPA and CFA societies.
A native of Missouri, Calmer resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Paula. They have three daughters.
The Foundation's purpose is to strengthen the mission and ministry efforts of Missouri Baptists. Established in 1946, it annually distributes more than $7 million to churches and Christian ministries in Missouri, the nation and the world.
The Foundation provides estate and gift planning services to individuals seeking to provide for themselves, their families and Christian ministries. It is headquartered in Jefferson City with regional offices in eastern and western Missouri. For more information, visit mbfn.org.
