Tony Cooper has 43 years of experience as a pastor and mission director as well as a bachelor’s degree in Bible and Theology from Toccoa Falls College and a master’s degree in counseling from Troy State University. Under Tony’s leadership, the Jimmie Hale Mission has become one of the most recognized and respected non-profit organizations in Central Alabama. A mission where he humbly served as Executive Director for 29 years.
He is a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is a founding member of Alabama Rescue Services Association and Alabama Association of Christian Recovery Ministries, a member and former national board member of the Citygate Network (formerly Association of Gospel Rescue Missions) and is also a member of Gardendale First Baptist Church.
In 2016, Tony was honored to receive the Russ Reid Rescue Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Experience
Executive Director, August 1990-January 2020
Jimmie Hale Mission, Birmingham, Alabama
Pastor, January 1987-August 1990
Midway Baptist Church, Gulf Breeze, Florida
Program Director, January 1977-December 1986 Waterfront Rescue Mission, Pensacola, Florida
Specialist 5th Class (E-5), January 1969-April 1972
U.S. Army, July 1969-April 1972
Education
Ordained Minister-Southern Baptist
Bachelor’s Degree-Bible/Theology
Toccoa Falls College
Toccoa Falls, Georgia
Master’s Degree-Counseling
Troy State University
Troy, Alabama
Involved in Ministry 43 years
Pastor-4 years
Rescue Mission-39 years
Birmingham Business Journal 2019 Non-Profit CEO of the year
