Marty Harkey will join the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma’s staff as chief development officer beginning in April.

“I am pleased to announce that we have selected Marty Harkey to lead the Office of Stewardship Advancement,” said BGCO Executive Director-Treasurer Anthony L. Jordan. “Marty will be a familiar face to many. He is an Oklahoman who served on staff and as pastor in several of our churches.”

Harkey previously served on the staff of the Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma before becoming vice president of institutional advancement at Midwestern Seminary in Kansas City. In 2009, he returned to the pastorate, serving at First Church, Gallatin, Mo.

Harkey and his wife, Teresa, have three children, two grown and one living at home. His main areas of responsibility will include raising funds for BGCO efforts at Falls Creek and for Baptist Collegiate Ministries in Oklahoma.

In November, messengers to the BGCO Annual Meeting approved the 2012 Financial Plan, which included in it the plan of hiring a development officer for the BGCO.

“I believe Marty will do a great job and advance the causes of Oklahoma Baptists,” Jordan added. “We believe his expertise, personality and giftedness will serve the needs of the BGCO very well in the years to come.”