Published May 12, 2022
By: Sarah M. Graham
FRESNO, Ca – The Executive Board of the California Southern Baptist Convention celebrated the announcement of a newly elected Executive Director. Pete Ramirez, former Associate Executive Director, was one of several applicants who applied for the position following the announcement of Bill Agee‘s transition into retirement at the start of 2022.
After several months and a unanimous vote, the search committee presented Ramirez as the sole candidate to the Board on Thursday, May 12th during their executive session. Agee is in full support of Ramirez and the Board’s decision saying, “Pete is an excellent choice. I know he’ll do a great job and I’m behind him 100%!”
Daniel Cassels, Executive Board President, Pastor at Life Way Fellowship in Santa Maria, and search committee member said “the committee was excited to be a part of finding the next leader for the California Southern Baptist Convention. We knew this was an important task that required great prayer and consideration.”
When asked about what made Ramirez the strongest candidate he shared, “This was a hard decision with more than one good option. The difference between Pete and the other candidates was that Pete was vested. His experience with the convention as well as his work to be better for it through education gave Pete that edge.”
Cassels went on to emphasize Pete’s strength in relationship-building between CSBC and other SBC leaders and agencies. “Pete already established relationships with other entities both state and national. This relational leadership gave him a head start on the bridge-building needed for us to be better together as we minister to the people of California and even to the end of the earth.”
Pete first joined CSBC as the Missions and Evangelism Team leader in 2017. By 2020 Ramirez was elected to the role of Associate Executive Director, following the retirement of longtime AED, Mike McCullough.
Prior to his involvement in convention work, Pete and Anabella, his wife of 29 years, had faithfully served in California Southern Baptist churches for well over 25 years. Ramirez completed his undergraduate degree at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He earned a Master of Theological Studies in 2014 and is currently completing a Doctor of Ministry, both from Gateway Seminary in Ontario.
CSBC made the announcement via an unprecedented Facebook live event officially ushering in a new era for California Southern Baptists.
