Christopher Calmer Appointed President of the Missouri Baptist Foundation

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Aug. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Missouri Baptist Foundation is pleased to announce Christopher Calmer as its new President. After a unanimous vote Friday, the board of trustees approved the nomination of Mr. Calmer as president, effective immediately.

Since joining the Missouri Baptist Foundation in 1997, Mr. Calmer has served as the Foundation's director of accounting, controller and vice president of operations. "Chris's knowledge and vast experience within our organization makes him a natural president. He has helped us fulfill our mission for many years and he is passionate about the work we do," said Verna Haun, chairman of the search committee.

Mr. Calmer follows the retiring Dr. James Smith, who served as president 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," continued Haun.

While at the Missouri Baptist Foundation, Mr. Calmer has overseen all accounting operations. He helped manage over 1,000 client accounts valued at over $140 million and served as chairman of the Investment Review Committee, which makes recommendations to individual client accounts as well as recommendations to the board.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tom Ogle said, "As we look forward to the coming year, the economic climate will continue to be a challenge for the Foundation. 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 lifetime Baptist, Mr. Calmer is a devoted music minister at Parkade Baptist Church. He serves on the Board of Advisors for the Coyote Hill Christian Children's Home in Harrisburg, Missouri and is the supervisory committee chair for the Missouri Baptist Credit Union. Mr. Calmer received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Missouri State University, is a certified public accountant, a certified financial analyst, and is a member of several CPA and CFA societies. A native of Missouri, Mr. Calmer resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Paula. They have three daughters.

About the Missouri Baptist Foundation

The Mission of the Missouri Baptist Foundation (MBF) is to strengthen the mission and ministry efforts of Missouri Baptists. Established in 1946, the MBF administers over 1,000 accounts with more than $140 million under management. Annually, MBF distributes over $7 million to churches and Christian ministries in Missouri, the United States and around the world. It provides estate and gift planning services to individuals seeking to provide for themselves, their families and Christian ministries.

MBF is governed by a twelve member Board of Trustees. It is operated by staff at its headquarters in Jefferson City and regional offices in Eastern and Western Missouri. MBF is a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. Please visit http://www.mbfn.org/ for more information.

SOURCE Missouri Baptist Foundation