Richard Carnes is a member of Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, TN. He has served as a TBF Trustee since 2023. He is married to Karen and they have two married sons, Jay and Chip, along with several grandchildren. Richard recently retired as President & CEO of the Kentucky Baptist Foundation after serving for several years. He is a Certified Financial Planner and also worked for PNC Bank as Senior Portfolio Manager. He was active in the Kentucky Baptist Convention and after coming to Tennessee, he is serving at Brentwood Baptist Church in their Senior Adult ministry. He has also been a deacon in his local church in the past.

Corey Bingham is a member of First Baptist Church, Lexington, TN. He has served as a TBF trustee since 2023. He is married to Whitney and they have two sons, Preston and Cooper. Corey is a Senior Relationship Manager for Carroll Bank & Trust. Corey has served his church as deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Stewardship Committee Chairman and also served on the Beech River Baptist Association Board. He is active in coaching his sons in youth football, basketball and baseball.

Donna Willis is a long-time member of Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville, TN. She has served as a TBF Trustee since 2024. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner with Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC. She has served her church in the areas of Children, Youth, Singles and Adult ministries. She has served as Chair of the Personnel Committee, a member of the Missions Committee, a member of a Minister search team and on numerous mission trips with Forest Hills Baptist Church. She currently serves as a member of the Finance Committee and is an active member of the Dear Daughters Sunday School Class. She has previously served on the boards of Hope House International and The Be the People Project.

Nathan Velasquez is the Pastor of Lavergne Community Church, Lavergne, TN. Lavergne Community Church has five different people groups meeting in their facility each week. He is married to Karina and they have two children, Gabriela and Nathaly. Nathan is from Venezuela and was a Certified Public Accountant there. After a Call to Ministry, Nathan got his Doctorate in Theology. He was involved with Venezuela Baptist Convention and now has served in Tennessee as part of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board and been President of the Hispanic Fellowship.

Laura Byrd is a member of West Jackson Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. She has served as a TBF Trustee for 4 years. She is married to Charles and has three children: Margaret Anne, Holloway, and Grace. Laura is a Vice President for Commercial Bank & Trust in Jackson, TN. She has been involved with several community organizations in Jackson and served in her church on the Finance Committee and as a Wednesday night teacher and counselor for elementary church camps. She enjoys serving on the TBF Trustee Board and is the secretary of the Trustees serving on the Executive Committee, Loan Committee and Special projects Committee. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family, and trips to Disney World.

Phil Jones is a member of The Gathering @ 840 in Franklin, TN. He has served as a TBF Trustee for four years. He is married to Donna and has two children, Janice and Derek. Phil is a retired church administrator and served in several churches in Tennessee: First Baptist Church of Hendersonville; Judson Baptist Church, Nashville; and The Gathering @ 840 Franklin, TN. Phil enjoys serving on the TBF Trustee Board because of its mission to do Kingdom work through its commitment to scholarships and special projects to serve people and be a witness for Christ. He is a native of Louisiana and his hobbies include golf and carpentry.

Chris R. Pass Sr. is a Southern Baptist Pastor at Grandview Baptist Church. He has been married 38 years to his best friend and wife Cydney. They have one son, Christopher, a wonderful daughter in law, Amy, both whom are graduates of U.T. Chris is on his first year of service with the TBF Board of Trustees and enjoys serving because the organization allows him to experience firsthand the efforts of the TBF to encourage and teach great stewardship for our future generations and God’s kingdom.

Tracy Russell, along with his wife Bedelia and two teenage daughters, are active members of Cookeville First Baptist Church. Tracy works as a Certified Financial Planner professional at One Investment of Tennessee, helping individuals reach their individual and family financial goals. Tracy is in his second year of service with the TBF Board of Trustees and finds great joy in seeing the positive financial impact to numerous Baptist entities and individuals, made available by the generosity and stewardship of fellow believers.

Blake Pennington is a member of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, TN and this is his first year serving as a TBF Trustee. He is married to Claire, and they are blessed to have four children, Eliza, Emmie, Millie, and Lolly. Blake is a hearing instrument specialist and serves in his church as a Deacon, Adult small group leader and preschool volunteer. He is also currently serving on the Board of Trustees for Echo Church in Los Angeles, CA.

Mike Powell is a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Knoxville, and this is his second year serving as a TBF Trustee. He is married to Sue, and they have two boys, Jason, and Charles. Mike is currently serving as interim of Mountain View Baptist Church and Church Administrator for Mount Olive Baptist Church. He has served on the Personnel Committee and Finance Committee of Knox County Association of Baptists. He has also volunteered his accounting skills to the association as well. In his spare time he enjoys walking, reading and all University of Kentucky sports. GO WILDCATS!

Sherrell Armstrong is a member of FBC-Dyersburg, and this is his first year serving as a TBF Trustee. He is married to Fonda, and they have four children, Caitlin, Wilson, Annaleigh, and Lainey. Sherrell is an Executive VP and Credit Officer for First Citizens National Bank and has served his church as Deacon, Men’s Ministry Leader, and Trustee of the Personnel Committee. He has also served on the Dyer County Board of Education. His hobbies include Woodworking, Traveling and following college and high school sports.

Tony Nix is joining the TBF Board after having served for 9 years from 2010-2019. We are excited to have him back assisting the Foundation with his knowledge. Tony and his wife Holly are faithful members of FBC, Greeneville, where he has served as a Deacon, Choir member, Praise Team member, trustee, and chair of the Finance Committee. Tony and Holly have three sons, Tyler, Ryan, and Nicholas. Tony has also been actively serving as an honorary trustee of Walter’s State Community College, serving on the board of Opportunity House and Trustee of the Takoma Regional Hospital Foundation. His hobbies include hiking, playing golf and snow skiing.

Cory Hammett is an Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Dandridge, and this is his first year serving as a Trustee of the Foundation. He is married to Courtney, and they have four children, Ansley, Lila, Judson, and Maeve. Cory has served on the TBMB Credentials Committee the Jefferson County Baptist Association Education Committee and worked with TBMB Disaster Relief Program. Cory enjoys playing golf, fishing, and cheering for the UT Vols.