Leadership

Dr. Michael C. Blackwell and his President's Management Group lead the ministries of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. Together, they implement the plans and policies of BCH. They are committed to keeping BCH at the vanguard of children and family ministry. Read about the impressive people at the forefront of those helping hurting children…healing broken families.

Dr. Michael C. Blackwell

Dr. Blackwell is president of Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina. Since July 1983, when he assumed this position, he has devoted himself to the ministry of “helping hurting children…healing broken families.”

A native of Gastonia, North Carolina, Dr. Blackwell graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He worked three years in communications before entering Southeastern Seminary in Wake Forest, where he earned the Master of Divinity, Master of Theology, and Doctor of Ministry degrees.

Dr. Blackwell has led BCH to become child-centered and family-focused, addressing needs with specific, goal-oriented programs of service. Under his leadership, BCH became accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. He has directed the formulation and implementation of strategic plans, the successful completion of two major capital campaigns, and the creation of public-private partnerships to better serve youth and families.

Dr. Blackwell is in demand as a writer and speaker on topics including stress management, time management, personal and professional success, health and wellness, and family empowerment. In 2000, trustees named cottages at the Mills Home campus and the Kennedy Home campus in his honor.

New Millennium Families, Dr. Blackwell's first book published in 2000, is widely successful. His second book, A Place for Miracles (January 2002), is a mixture of history, autobiography, inspiration and vision. His third book Upside Down Leadership (2003) has been used as a practical guide in leadership training. And his fourth book Riches Beyond Measure (2004) is inspiring readers around the world.

The Biblical Recorder cited Dr. Blackwell as one of the 30 most influential Baptists in North Carolina's 20th century. Syndicated columnist D. G. Martin recognized him in 2002 for nomination as one of the state's “public intellectuals” whose “views have a real impact on the way a significant number of North Carolinians live their lives.” In 2005, noted North Carolina historian and writer Wint Capel published a biography on Blackwell entitled Just Call Me Mickey.

Samuel V. Barefoot

Barefoot is the treasurer and chief financial officer overseeing all aspects of Baptist Children’s Homes’ financial operations and is a member of the President's Management Group. He is a community leader and has served state and national organizations where he brings excellence to his field of expertise as well as to the BCH ministry.

He is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina. Barefoot earned a BA degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting from Elon University in 1979. He joined the staff of BCH in 1981.

Barefoot is married and has four children.

W. James (Jim) Edminson

Edminson is the institutional director for communications. He joined BCH in 2000 and is a member of the President's Management Group. He serves as chief branding strategist advising the president, board of trustees, president’s management group and staff members, and he is the editor of Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina’s 120-year-old publication Charity & Children.

Edminson is a native of Ft. Worth, Texas. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge in 1984.

Edminson is married and has four children.

Brenda B. Gray

Gray is the executive vice president, development and communications. She joined BCH in 1999 and is a member of the President's Management Group. Gray directs all fund-raising/friend-raising activities for BCH’s statewide services including major capital campaigns. She supervises the institution’s development team and oversees the Office of Communications.

She is a native of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Gray received at BA from Gardner-Webb University in 1973 and a MA in management from Webster University in 1999.

Gray is married.

J. Keith Henry

Henry is the executive vice president, programs & services. He supervises area directors of family service, provides program planning and evaluation, formulates policy and procedure, and coordinates the agency's accreditation process. He is a member of the President’s Management Group. Henry joined BCH in 2007.

A native of Sylva, North Carolina, Henry earned a BS degree in business administration in 1985 and a Master of Business Administration degree in 1992 from Western Carolina University. He has received nonprofit certifications from Harvard Business School and Duke University.

Henry is married and has two children.

Nancy M. McNeill

McNeill is the executive vice president, operations. She joined BCH in 2005 and is a member of the President's Management Group. McNeill is responsible for operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, cost containment, and people systems throughout the institution. She also oversees the ITS and HR departments.

McNeill is a native of Carthage, North Carolina. She earned a BS degree in business administration from Appalachian State University in 1976. She also received a special certification as a senior professional in human resources.

McNeill is married and has two children.

Shane Nixon

Nixon is the institutional director of information services. He joined BCH in 2005 coming from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Nixon oversees the implementation of technology and is responsible for the dissemination of information throughout the institution. He is a member of the President’s Management Group.

Nixon is a native of Dobson, North Carolina. He earned a BA degree in history from Campbell University in 1992. Nixon is highly qualified through a variety of technical certifications.

Nixon is married and has two children.