NASHVILLE (BP)—For the first time in its 130-year history, Lifeway Christian Resources will have a Black woman as trustee chair.
Lifeway trustees elected Missie Branch, assistant dean of students to women and director of graduate life at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, as chair during a special called meeting on March 8.
A member of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C., Branch began her service on the board in 2017.
“Missie’s character, commitment to the local church, and investment in tomorrow’s ministry leaders give me confidence that she’s the person to lead our board,” said Lifeway CEO Ben Mandrell. “I’m excited and thankful for her historic appointment as the first African American female to chair our board.
“Missie is a bright person with a tremendous amount of insight and an inner strength from the Lord. I believe she will be a strong, unifying leader. She is a great friend to Lifeway, and I look forward to our deepened partnership.”
Branch expressed her appreciation for the board and their trust in her to lead them well.
“I am humbled by the confidence of my fellow board members,” she said. “Leading alongside a group like ours is an honor. When asked to join the board a few years ago, I never anticipated an opportunity like this.
“I love serving an organization whose mission is directly linked to the ministry and mission of the local church. I’m determined to work with my fellow board members as we seek to honor the Lord and serve our convention.”
Branch was elected vice chair during the trustee meeting held Jan. 25. She now will fill the role vacated by Greg Kannady, who stepped down as chair due to a recent health issue. While Kannady plans to continue his service as a board member, he told trustees via email he felt it would be wise to replace him as board chair.
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Trustees elected Luther McDaniel, CFO at Empirical Capital Partners, to serve as vice chair. McDaniel, who has served on the board since 2016, is a member of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. Ben Posey, pastor of First Baptist Church in Leroy, Ala., will continue to serve as recording secretary.
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