A veteran state denominational business executive has been tapped to lead Connie Maxwell Children’s Home until a new president can be found.

James Wright, who was chief financial officer for the South Carolina Baptist Convention for 13 years and later served as vice president for finance and operations at Anderson University, was named interim president at Connie Maxwell Nov. 3 by trustees of the Baptist -affiliated ministry. He assumes his duties Nov. 7.

Wright was asked to serve as interim president after former Connie Maxwell president Randy Harling resigned Oct. 4.

“We’re thrilled to have such a strong leader to help Connie Maxwell through this time of transition,” said Paul Turner, pastor of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Easley and chairman of Connie Maxwell’s board of trustees. “As a longtime convention executive, James has had a unique view of our ministry for many years.

“Coupled with his 25 years of executive leadership experience, he is the perfect person to serve as our interim.”

Wright said he is excited to begin his work at Connie Maxwell “and to continue the work of providing caring, Christian homes for children in need.”

During the 32 years Wright worked for the South Carolina Baptist Convention, he frequently encountered Connie Maxwell Children’s Home alumni and heard many stories of how it changed their lives. He said those stories made a strong impression on him and gave him a great fondness for the ministry of Connie Maxwell.

Wright is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

A news release from Connie Maxwell said the board of trustees will be working in the coming weeks to form a presidential search committee. Qualifications for the position, as well as information for submitting résumés, will be forthcoming, the release stated.