Michael Coleman addresses the guests, board members, and media at Wednesday’s press conference
The board of directors has named Michael Coleman the fourth executive director of the Jimmie Hale Mission. The transition in leadership officially took place on Monday and was announced to the public at a press conference held at the Shepura Men’s Center chapel Wednesday morning. He succeeds Tony Cooper who held the position for more than 29 years.
Coleman comes to the Mission from Hope Inspired Ministries, a faith-based non-profit he founded in Montgomery, Alabama, where he served as executive director for eight years. HIM, which also has a campus in Birmingham, is dedicated to training low-skilled, poorly-educated, and chronically-unemployed individuals on how to obtain and maintain employment.
The Greenville, Alabama, native served as a communications officer in the United States Army for 21 years before retiring from service in 2005. He was later the lead pastor at s church in Fort Deposit, Alabama, and director of benevolence for Compassion 21 in Montgomery before founding HIM.
“My wife, Susie, and I could not be more excited about the opportunity to become a part of such a renowned organization,” Coleman said. “My passion to serve those who are hurting in our community work toward their spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being fits right in line with the heart of the Mission. I am so thankful to be asked to lead the organization into the coming years and humbly request your prayers that God will continue to bless our organization as we move forward in His name and for His glory!”
Executive director Michael Coleman (right) serves lunch in the Men’s Center alongside executive director emeritus Tony Cooper (left).
Cooper will continue to serve the Mission as executive director emeritus through the end of January where his wealth of experience will prove invaluable during the busy holiday season.
“It has been exciting to see how God has blessed the Mission, and I am grateful to have been a small part of its growth and success,” Cooper said. “I am pleased that God has provided a new executive director in Michael Coleman, and I am looking forward to what God is going to do through the Mission moving forward.”