Our People
CBU is about people - equipping God's people for ministry. Not only is CBU a ministry for people, but it's also led by people. Here are the people who make CBU what it is:
STAFF
Tom Jackson: Leader. Tom grew up in Black Mountain going to CBU conferences. Tom’s diverse ministry experience has included campus ministry, church planting in Ukraine and Scotland, CBUyouth ministry leader, and of a large and growing church. Tom lives in Bathgate, Scotland with his wife, Jean, and six daughters. Along with leading CBU Tom pastors CentrePoint Church. Fortunately, he preaches better than he plays golf. Email Tom.
Jim Jackson: Grower. Originally from Georgia, Jim gave up a discount drug store business to work with CBU after radically meeting Jesus in 1972. Jim brought his entrepreneurial drive to bear on the ministry, leading it from being a Christian book distributor to a conference ministry with international reach. Jim lives in Black Mountain, NC with his wife Mary Jo, and they have three children and 10 grandchildren. When Jim isn’t in the office he might be riding his Harley on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Email Jim.
Elise Putnam: Administrator. Elise grew up Black Mountain attending CBU conferences and youth camps. Although she runs her own law practice and is mother to the cutest little boy this side of Saturn, she still finds time to keep the administrative functions of CBU moving. She and her husband, Matthew, live near Asheville, and really enjoy the mountains. Email Elise.
Fran Morris: Bookkeeper. Some people paint with brushes, other people paint with words; Fran paints with numbers. A long-time resident of Swannanoa, NC, Fran does a great job serving as bookkeeper and keeping our finances in order. She has a watchful eye and helps us faithfully steward the money God provides through the generous giving of His people. Email Fran.
BOARD
Ivery Haynes: Founder. Ivery is a Korean War veteran with a background in IT who worked for the Lowes Corporation. He founded CBU in 1972 to promote the gospel by distributing Christian books throughout the marketplace. He has served as a board member since CBU’s founding. Ivery and his wife Annie Lee live in North Wilkseboro, NC.
Joe Capitan: Helper. Joe is an entrepreneurial mechanical engineer who founded and leads Delta Engineering in Greenville, SC. He has served on the board of CBU since 1985 and has been a source of wisdom, counsel, and encouragement to the executive team. He and his wife, Sherry, continue to live outside Greenville and enjoy their children and grandchildren. Joe’s only weakness is that he is a rabid Clemson fan.