The Executive Committee of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board has named Tony Martin to be the new editor of The Baptist Record when William Perkins retires Oct. 31 after nearly 32 years of service there. Martin is currently serving as associate editor.
Megan Young, MBCB lead graphic designer and the Record’s layout specialist for 11 years, will replace Martin as associate editor of the 149-year-old news journal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
Martin: ‘Proven track record, solid journalistic abilities’
“Bro. Tony has served the Convention for over 23 years in the position of associate editor and has a proven track record that I believe will continue to serve the Convention well,” said Shawn Parker, MBCB executive director-treasurer, in presenting Martin to the Executive Committee on Oct. 17.
Martin “has solid journalistic abilities, coupled with a strong working knowledge of modern communication technologies,” Parker said.
Martin holds a master of arts in religious education degree (1980) with an emphasis in youth ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and a bachelor of science degree (1977) with a dual major in journalism and speech/theater from Troy University in Alabama.
A native of Elba, Alabama, Martin served churches and ministries in Tennessee, Florida and Georgia prior to a stint as minister of education at First Baptist Church McComb, Mississippi. He is a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Flowood, Mississippi.
Young: ‘Ideal’ skills for the position
In recommending Young to the Executive Committee for the position of associate editor, Parker said, “Her verbal and written communication skills, coupled with her artistic abilities and computer proficiencies, are ideal for the proposed position. Additionally, Ms. Young’s experience in the world of secular newsprint has consistently proven beneficial during her time of service.”
Young is a graduate of the University of Georgia in Athens with a bachelor of arts (2008) in journalism degree. A native of Fayetteville, Georgia, she served as copy editor and layout designer for Gannett Company, Inc., in Monroe, Louisiana, prior to coming to MBCB. She holds a number of awards from the Baptist Communicators Association.
Perkins: Prayer for new leadership
Perkins said it has been his prayer “that Dr. Parker and the Executive Committee would be open to the leading of the Lord in filling these two critical positions in the life of the Mississippi Baptist Convention.”
“I can report today to the loyal readers of the Record that is the case,” he said. “The Record is in good hands.”
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by The Baptist Record, newsjournal of the Mississippi Baptist Convention.
