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Today’s plans
Tomorrow’s impact.

The Tennessee Baptist Foundation strives to advance the Church by investing in its people and helping them fulfill the Great Commission. Through faith-based estate planning and planned giving guidance, the TBF helps today’s generation bless the next generation. Through investment and financing services, the TBF helps our Baptist churches, associations and institutions build strong bridges to the future.

Help is Our Goal

Who We Serve

Since 1938, thousands of Tennessee Baptists church members and leaders have turned to the Tennessee Baptist Foundation to help bless the next generation.

 
Individuals

Through for faith-based estate planning and planned giving church members acknowledge the needs of their families, as well as their own church, association and other Baptist institutions by placing a portion of their estates in trust to meet these needs.

Churches and Associations

Through investment and financing services, the TBF helps our Baptist churches, associations and institutions build strong bridges to the future. Partnering with both Tennessee Baptist church members and institutions, we strive to advance the Church by investing in its people and helping them fulfill the Great Commission.

Who We Are

We are the Tennessee Baptist Foundation.

We are a 501(c)3 corporation chartered by the State of Tennessee and directed by a 15-member Board of Trustees elected by The Tennessee Baptist Convention.

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Our Staff

Sam Warner, President and Tresurer of the TB Foundation

Sam Warner

President & Treasurer

Sam Warner serves as President and Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, where he works closely with churches, ministries, and individuals to help believers steward their resources with eternal impact.

Sam Warner serves as President and Treasurer of the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, where he works closely with churches, ministries, and individuals to help believers steward their resources with eternal impact. He is passionate about helping fellow believers store up treasure in heaven while ensuring churches and ministries are positioned to receive and steward gifts faithfully for generations to come.

A Murfreesboro native, Sam brings both strategic leadership and a heart for Kingdom-minded stewardship to the Foundation’s work. Before entering this field, he played college tennis as a scholarship athlete, though these days most of his energy is spent investing in people rather than perfecting his backhand.

Outside the office, Sam’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and children. He is often reminded of the promise in 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him.” That perspective continues to shape the way he approaches both life and ministry.

Tod Tanner, Executive Vice President

Tod Tanner

Executive Vice President & Chief Development Officer

Tod Tanner serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, helping individuals and ministries explore ways to support Kingdom work through thoughtful and impactful giving.

Tod Tanner serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, helping individuals and ministries explore ways to support Kingdom work through thoughtful and impactful giving.

Originally from College Station, Texas, Tod brings a steady, relationship-focused approach to development and donor partnerships. While he enjoys meaningful conversations about generosity and legacy, he is just as happy unwinding with a great history book when the day is done.

Tod finds encouragement in Matthew 6:33, which reminds him to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” And while he enjoys a good book, the thing that can brighten his day the fastest is a call from his wife or daughter.

Bonnie B. Sneed

Administrative Assistant & Corporate Secretary

Bonnie B. Sneed serves as Administrative Assistant and Corporate Secretary for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, providing essential support that helps keep the organization running smoothly. She takes great satisfaction in knowing that the work she does behind the scenes contributes to a larger mission and makes a meaningful difference.

Bonnie B. Sneed serves as Administrative Assistant and Corporate Secretary for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, providing essential support that helps keep the organization running smoothly. She takes great satisfaction in knowing that the work she does behind the scenes contributes to a larger mission and makes a meaningful difference.

A Nashville native, Bonnie brings warmth, organization, and a steady presence to the office. Her coworkers know that a little laughter goes a long way in making the day better, and Bonnie is always happy to contribute to that.

When she’s away from work, Bonnie enjoys spending time with her two beloved Beagles, Suzy and Daisy Mae, who are always ready to keep life entertaining.

Alexis Morgan

Accountant & Trust Operations Specialist

Alexis Morgan serves as Accountant and Trust Operations Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, where she helps ensure the financial stewardship of gifts and funds entrusted to the ministry. She appreciates the opportunity to help others through her work and values the role careful financial management plays in advancing Kingdom work.

Alexis Morgan serves as Accountant and Trust Operations Specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation, where she helps ensure the financial stewardship of gifts and funds entrusted to the ministry. She appreciates the opportunity to help others through her work and values the role careful financial management plays in advancing Kingdom work.

Originally from the North Chicago suburbs and proudly cheering for the Cubs, Alexis is known among coworkers for being goofy, cool under pressure, and smart. It is a combination that keeps both spreadsheets and team meetings interesting.

Outside the office, Alexis enjoys time with neighbors as their dogs run and play together, and she is always happy when the sun is shining on a warm day. A fun fact many people do not expect is that she once owned a motorcycle. Her favorite verse, Psalm 46:10, reminds her to “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Mandy Curtis

Foundation Office Associate

Mandy Curtis serves as Foundation Office Associate, where she enjoys helping individuals and churches steward their financial resources in ways that support lasting ministry.

O: (615) 413-0202
mcurtis@tnbaptist.org

Mandy Curtis serves as Foundation Office Associate, where she enjoys helping individuals and churches steward their financial resources in ways that support lasting ministry. She is motivated by working alongside coworkers and churches who share a deep commitment to Kingdom-focused work.

Mandy’s heart for ministry started early. She has served alongside her husband since he started his first church when they were just 19 years old, an experience that shaped her passion for supporting churches and their leaders.

Originally from Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Mandy finds the greatest joy in her family and her dog, Jax. Her coworkers often describe her as loving, caring, and kind, and she strives to find joy in whatever she is doing. Recently, Psalm 46:10 has been a verse that continues to guide and encourage her.

Our Staff

Sam Warner, President and Tresurer of the TB Foundation
President - Treasurer
Sam Warner
swarner@tnbaptist.org
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Tod Tanner, Executive Vice President
Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Tod Tanner, Ed.D.
ttanner@tnbaptist.org
Inbox
Administrative Assistant & Corporate Secretary
Bonnie B. Sneed
bsneed@tnbaptist.org
Inbox
Accountant & Trust Operations Specialist
Alexis Morgan
amorgan@tnbaptist.org
Inbox
Director of Accounting
Melinda Walker
mwalker@tnbaptist.org
Inbox
Director of Accounting
Melinda Walker
mwalker@tnbaptist.org
Inbox

Board of Trustees 2024-2025

The Board of Trustees for the Tennessee Baptist Foundation are elected by the Convention and charged with giving oversight to the integrity and work of the Foundation. Each trustee is an active member of his or her local Baptist church. Because the Foundation is a financial institution its board members are heavily weighted from various financial backgrounds. Our trustees do a marvelous job blending and balancing the spiritual nature of our task with sound financial policies and practices.

Trustees

The Foundation needs qualified and competent people to help promote its work with Tennessee Baptists, ensure accountability to Tennessee Baptists, establish and oversee policies by which the Foundation operates and monitor the investment and management of funds entrusted to the Foundation’s care. Trustees are expected to:

  • Attend orientation planned by The Tennessee Baptist Convention as well as an orientation session planned by the Foundation.
  • Attend the Annual Trustee’s Meeting in December, Semi Annual Meeting in May, as well as any other meeting which might be necessary.
  • Support the work and ministry of the Foundation with their prayers, time, and expertise.
  • Serving as a Foundation trustee is both an honor and a sacred trust. The counsel and faithful service of the trustees greatly strengthens the Foundation’s work. The confidence, support and friendship of those we serve are essential to the Foundation’s ministry and progress.

Trustees

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.
Richard Carnes
Richard Carnes
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.
Corey Bingham
Corey Bingham
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.
Donna Willis
Donna Willis
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.
Nathan Valesquez
Nathan Valesquez
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.
Phil Jones
Phil Jones
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.
Chris R. Pass Sr.
Chris R. Pass Sr.
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.
Tracy Russell
Tracy Russell
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.
Blake Pennington
Blake Pennington
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!
Mike Powell
Mike Powell
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.
Sherrell Armstrong
Sherrell Armstrong
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.
Tony Nix
Tony Nix
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.
Cory Hammett
Cory Hammett
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Why We Exist

Our Purpose

The Tennessee Baptist Foundation is an institution of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the charitable giving arm of Tennessee Baptists. The TBF has been connecting church members to Baptist institutions, agencies and causes since 1938.

It’s purpose is to assist Tennessee Baptists, churches and the Convention to lay a strong foundation under those institutions, causes and agencies supported by the churches of The Tennessee Baptist Convention.

Partners

As a proud partnering organization of the Tennessee Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention we extend our appreciation to all the institutions working toward our common goals.

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