Jay Boyd Named Chief Advancement Officer at Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina

THOMASVILLE, N.C. —Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina (BCH) has named Jay Boyd as its new chief advancement officer following a national search that drew more than 200 candidates.

Boyd most recently served as senior vice president of strategy and engagement at Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries in Greenwood, South Carolina—one of the state's most recognized child and family service ministries. In that role, he led advancement, marketing, and engagement strategies. He previously held development roles with Alabama Baptist Children's Homes & Family Ministries and Baptist Children's Home & Family Services in Illinois.

"I could not be more excited to welcome Jay and his wife, Lauren," said David Melber, CEO of BCH. "His entire life and ministry align perfectly with our mission to share hope and change lives."

Boyd's commitment to child and family ministries is rooted in his personal story. As a child, he witnessed firsthand the impact of Florida Baptist Children's Homes (now One More Child), where his mother worked in development. Years later, while in seminary, a conversation with his parents and an experience at a Connections Conference hosted by the Association of Baptist Children's Home Professionals confirmed his calling to advocate for children and families.

"When I was a boy, I became aware of how unique it was to grow up in a loving home with parents devoted to Jesus, and how God calls us to extend that compassion and hope to others," Boyd said. "Being part of ministry that truly changes lives is an honor and a privilege."

"As we work to engage, equip and support churches to enter this mission field, we need a visionary leader who can build relationships and inspire generosity," said Melber. "His long-tenured experience in Baptist life and his passion to be a voice for those without a voice will help North Carolina Baptists in our calling to be 'On Mission Together.'"

As chief advancement officer, Boyd will lead a mission-driven team in implementing a comprehensive fundraising and communications strategy that strengthens BCH's mission and builds on its rich history of donor support.

"I want to build healthy bridges between churches and the heart and mission of BCH," Boyd said. "When God places a calling in someone's heart to help children and families in need, we want to equip them to follow His leading."

Boyd holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication and a Master of Business Administration from Samford University, as well as a Master of Arts in leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children.