Published Apr 01, 2020
ONTARIO — Jonathan Jarboe was elected president of The Baptist Foundation of California by its board of directors, which met in Ontario Feb. 20-21.
Jarboe, a longtime California Southern Baptist Convention pastor, had been president elect of the 68-year old CSBC entity. He is the eighth president of the organization and succeeds Philip W. Kell who served the Foundation more than 27 years, 10 as president.
In August 2018 Jarboe became president- elect, and began employment with the Foundation in July 2019 under a planned leadership transition with Kell, who will continue to serve as “special advisor to the president.”
Bob Brown, board chairman, said, “Dr. Jarboe’s entire career, as both a pastor and businessman, exemplifies a commitment to God’s call on his life and demonstrates his passion for pastors and Kingdom work.
“We are grateful that God has given us a proven leader with the character and experience needed to guide our Foundation.”
In his last address to directors as president, Kell said, “Jonathan will lead us into an exciting future. My goal is to do all I can to help him be successful, and I urge each of you to make a commitment to support Jonathan and the new day he brings to the Foundation.”
Jarboe noted, “I am humbled and honored to have this opportunity to lead The Baptist Foundation of California, which is poised for growth. We are ready to increase assets under management, ready to serve our partners and churches, and ready to move forward in taking the organization to the next level.”
Prior to his election Jarboe served Pathway Church in Redlands for more than 26 years, 20 as lead pastor. He was a director of the Foundation for 12 years, including two as chairman. He was a long-time volunteer chaplain and reserve officer for the Redlands Police Department, and is a trustee for the North American Mission Board.
Jarboe earned a doctor of educational ministry degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, a master of business administration degree from the University of Redlands, a master of arts in Christian education from Golden Gate Baptist Theological (now Gateway) Seminary, and two bachelor’s degrees from California Baptist College (now University).
He has been married to Tammy since 1987; they have three children and two grandchildren.
Foundation directors also voted to promote Tom Jones to senior vice president and chief operating officer; Ty Salter to vice president and chief credit officer; and Rob Duncan to vice president and chief investment officer. All promotions and Jarboe’s tenure as president were effective March 1.