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July 1, 2001

Barry Bledsoe takes over as president at the retirement of C. Warren Trussell, Jr.

June 30, 2001

C. Warren Trussell, Jr. retires from The Baptist Foundation of Alabama.

Bledsoe Named President of Foundation
By Kima Jude
Correspondent, The Alabama Baptist
(reprinted with permission from The Alabama Baptist)

The Baptist Foundation of Alabama board of directors has named Barry Bledsoe, 51, as its president-elect. He succeeds Warren Trussell, who plans to retire June 30. "I can tell you I really feel led to this position. It's a decision I've made to follow Christ rather than to elevate a career," Bledsoe said. "I've told Warren that I really hope this is my signature work in life, to further the work that has been so ably begun." Bledsoe credits God for confirming his appointment by providing a smooth transition.
The new director is no stranger to working in financial matters, either. Bledsoe currently serves as executive vice president at Regions Bank in Montgomery. "I've done a lot of the same things that the Foundation does," Bledsoe said.

After graduating from Livingston University in 1973, Bledsoe served as a high school football and basketball coach and driver's education teacher in Prattville. Following his teaching career, Bledsoe attended Samford University's Cumberland School of Law and then spent four years with the United States Treasury trying tax cases before starting a small private law practice in Dothan.
He joined Regions Bank in 1986, serving various positions in Dothan and Louisiana. Bledsoe returned to Montgomery to head up the South Central Division of Regions Trust in 1998. His interest in foundation work has been growing for some time, said Bledsoe, who once considered a position with the Louisiana Baptist Foundation.  "I've seen the handwriting on the wall," he noted.

A member of First Baptist Church, Montgomery, Bledsoe has served as deacon, been active in music ministry, taught Sunday School and been involved in family ministry.  Nevertheless, such a major life decision that accompanies a career change did not come easily. "It was a struggle to start with," Bledsoe said, but in the end both he and his wife, Judy, felt it was an opportunity he should embrace. The couple have three sons: Chris, Dennis and Rodney, and one granddaughter. Bledsoe said he believes one of his strengths is "seeing the big picture and understanding where you're going."

March 1, 2001

Randy Driggers joins the staff as vice president for development coming from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary after serving six years as Director of Development.

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