John Hardin, JD, CFP®, retired on Sept. 30 as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Missouri Baptist Foundation. Hardin has served the Foundation since 1988 following his service as associate director of the Business Services division of the Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention. A graduate of Southwest Baptist University, Hardin also is a graduate of the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law, and is a Certified Financial Planner from the College of Financial Planning, Denver, and a Cannon Trust School graduate.
John HardinIn his role with MBF, Hardin was responsible for providing the Foundation management and staff with legal counsel concerning corporate and business decisions. He was further responsible for administration of the Foundation’s trust compliance process and for management of real properties given or entrusted to the Foundation. In addition, Hardin provided charitable giving expertise to staff and various constituencies served by the Foundation and to serve as corporate secretary to the Board of Trustees.
Hardin was instrumental in the formulation and passage of legislation relating to charitable gift annuities and spending policies for charitable endowment funds, which the Missouri legislature voted into law.
Interim MBF President Stephen Mathis said, “John’s professional and patient approach to assisting clients, giving legal guidance to staff and working through complex issues has been an invaluable contribution to the mission and ministry efforts of Missouri Baptists. He has helped plan, protect and administer the legacies that Christian stewards have confidently entrusted to the Foundation.”
Hardin said, “It has been my privilege to have served Missouri Baptists and to have worked with many dear and talented coworkers and trustees for nearly 36 years.” He and his wife Lera, “are looking forward to mending my health and enjoying family and some traveling.”
Hardin’s retirement is one of a series of leadership changes for the Foundation. Mathis previously announced he would retire on Sept. 30.
In September, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Neil Franks as president and treasurer. Formerly the lead pastor of First Baptist, Bolivar, Mo., Franks will begin his duties on Oct. 16.
