Kea joins Harold J. Monroe, an experienced banking executive and corporate financial advisor, who has served the foundation as vice president of investments since 2011.

The foundation is an independent financial services group that provides a wide range of Southern Baptist investment and estate planning opportunities.

Kea served as a partner in the law firm Scott & Kea from 1995 to 2003 and later was a vice president at Pinnacle Financial Partners/Cavalry Banking, managing a book of assets in excess of $160 million. Active in Southern Baptist life for more than 30 years, Kea was appointed in 2008 as an International Mission Board missionary to Belgium and has now returned to the United States.

In his new position, Kea will guide the foundation in branding, marketing and relationship management.

Monroe, before joining the foundation, had served 10 years at Caterpillar Investment Management Limited in Peoria, Ill., as senior financial advisor and consultant. He earlier served two years as senior vice president and trust officer at First Security Bank and seven years as a vice president with the Old National Trust Company.

Monroe is coordinating and monitoring investments for the foundation's $184 million portfolio.

Foundation President Warren Peek described the two professionals as devout Christians "who love Christ and His church."

"It has been a privilege to witness John's dedication to God, his family and his church. I am honored that John has brought his professional qualifications and Christian character to serve at the foundation," Peek said of Kea. "He is a man of great integrity with a love of reaching the lost for Christ. His qualifications and experience make him a perfect choice to serve as a vice president and general counsel at the foundation."

Peek said Monroe "has a committed heart for the Lord, his church and his family."

"I am very excited that the foundation has hired such a man of God willing to move from success in the business world to an opportunity to serve the Lord at the foundation," Peek said of Monroe. "He has tremendous investment knowledge, and as the vice president of investments, he brings a wealth of experience to the foundation which has been very beneficial." Continued...