The Missouri Baptist Foundation and the Baptist Foundation of Soucth Carolina have named new leaders.
The Missouri Baptist Foundation’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Dr. Neil Franks as its new president and treasurer based on the recommendation of the presidential search committee.
Neil FranksThe former lead pastor of First Baptist Church, Branson, Mo., Franks served as president of the Missouri Baptist Convention in 2014 and 2015. A MBF press release states, “Stepping into the presidency of MBF will multiply the impact of his energetic leadership throughout the state.” He will officially begin serving on October 16.
“Neil Franks is the man God has appointed to lead the Foundation,” said Larry Shoaf, chair of the presidential search committee. “Franks has a passion to share the good news and believes the Missouri Baptist Foundation is the greatest opportunity to accomplish this God given directive”, he added.
Shoaf further commented, “The Board of Trustees and staff have enthusiastically received Dr. Franks and welcomed he and his family to Foundation life. I know Missouri Baptists around the state will be excited as well.”
A native of Malvern, Arkansas, Dr. Franks earned a B.A. in Speech Communications from Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. He holds a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Ft. Worth, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Franks met his wife, Kendra, while both were students at Henderson State University. They have two sons, Nathan and Travis.
Retiring interim president and executive vice president of the MBF, Stephen Mathis noted, “Dr. Franks has a contagious excitement for encouraging Christian stewardship that will help Missouri Baptists advance Kingdom ministry through wisely planned and carefully managed legacies. It will be a privilege to assist with a smooth transition to new leadership. I am confident that a new generation of Missouri Baptists will be well served.”
Nathan McCarthy (Photo: Baptist Courier) According to the South Carolina Baptist Courier, Nathan McCarthy has served the Baptist Foundation of Alabama since 2010 as senior investment officer, managing an investment portfolio of more than $240 million. He also has been a manufacturing engineer in the aeronautics industry. McCarthy succeeds retiring president Barry Edwards as the foundation’s eighth president.
A Georgia native, McCarty graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University with a B.S. in industrial engineering. The Baptist Courier reports he has worked with Lockheed Martin as an aeronautical/manufacturing engineer and with Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor in the company’s global wealth management division. He is currently pursuing an M.Div. in biblical studies from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, New Orleans, La.
BFSC Search Committee Chair and past board member Tom Cothran stated, “Nathan’s unique experience in engineering and investments lend well to understanding the processes and investment needs of a foundation ministry,” adding, “Nathan’s warm, approachable temperament, his superb communication skills, and his obvious passion for helping Christians experience legacy stewardship is contagious.”
McCarty and his wife, Caron, have four children.
