Mr. Paul Cherry has been hired and will begin duties as the Vice President for Finance at Central Baptist College on February 18, 2015. The Vice President for Finance provides strategic leadership and oversight of the college’s finance and accounting functions, business services and auxiliary enterprises, human resources, and physical plant operations.

Cherry previously worked at First National Bank in Hot Springs, Ark. for 22 years serving as CEO, CFO, and Legal Counsel. Cherry has also been employed by Lovett and Foster, Certified Public Accountants for three years and the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office and Division of Legislative Audit for 15 years.

Cherry received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law. Cherry is presently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration program at Southern Arkansas University.

CBC President Terry Kimbrow said, “There is no doubt in my mind that Paul is the right person for this job.” Since the VP position is among the top administrative positions, our twenty-member Board of Trustees is charged with giving the final approval. Mr. Cherry received a unanimous vote. “This is one of those decisions that I prayed about a lot. The board’s full approval was yet another confirmation of answered prayer.”

Cherry is a Certified Public Accountant and an Attorney at Law. He is involved in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Arkansas Bar Association, the Gideon’s International, the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and The National Society of Leadership and Success. Kimbrow added, “While the search yielded some very qualified candidates, Paul has the blend of education, expertise, and character that make him a perfect fit for Central Baptist College.”

Cherry and his wife, Shirley, have two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, and have been foster parents to more than nine children.