THOMASVILLE, N.C. – Michael C. Blackwell, longtime president and CEO of the Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) of North Carolina, has taken a voluntary leave of absence for an indefinite period of time, according to a statement released on the BCH’s social media accounts and by email late Friday, May 26.

The statement says that Blackwell informed the executive committee of the BCH’s board of trustees of his decision on Friday, but the statement did not give any reason for the decision.

Following the release of the statement, the Biblical Recorder reached out to Blackwell and multiple BCH representatives for additional details. One BCH spokesperson told the Recorder in an email that there was “No additional information.”

In Blackwell’s absence, BCH Chief Operating Officer Keith Henry and Executive Vice President for Development and Communications Brenda Gray will assume the organization’s executive leadership responsibilities.

The full statement posted to BCH’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts reads as follows:

“On Friday, May 26, 2023, Michael C. Blackwell, President/CEO for the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina (BCH) informed the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees that he would be taking a voluntary leave of absence for an indefinite period of time. In the interim, as outlined by BCH’s board-approved policies and procedures, Chief Operating Officer Keith Henry and Executive Vice President of Development and Communications Brenda Gray will assume the organization’s executive leadership responsibilities. As supporters and friends of the BCH ministry, we wanted you to be aware of this important information. Thank you for your continued support.”

Blackwell’s decision came during the same week that the chairman of BCH’s board of trustees resigned amid allegations of animal cruelty and communicating threats.

Blackwell, 81, is the longest-tenured president in BCH history, having led the organization for nearly 40 years. A native of Gastonia, Blackwell became the eighth president of the children’s homes on July 1, 1983, following a unanimous selection by BCH’s board of trustees.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

(EDITOR’S NOTE – This story has been updated with a comment from a BCH spokesperson.)