Texas Baptist Children’s Home is excited to introduce the newest member of our Children At Heart Ministries family. On Oct. 19, the Texas Baptist Children’s Home Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Jeffrey B. Jones as president. He begins his role Oct. 26.
Jeff will succeed Debbie Rippstein Bond, who announced her retirement earlier this year after serving in various positions at Children At Heart Ministries for 37 years, including more than eight years as president of Gracewood and 11 as president of TBCH. She will serve as TBCH president emeritus from Oct. 26, 2026, to Jan. 8, 2027.
Here are a few things to know about Jeff:
TBCH trustees were really impressed with Jeff and hope you are, too.
Board chair Dr. Tom Norris said trustees narrowed their search down to Jeff after conducting an extensive search process to seek a replacement for the president position. Dr. Norris called Jeff “the man that God has chosen to lead and build” TBCH into the future.
Here’s what he said about Jeff: “He has extensive experience in serving children, young adults and parents in Texas and other parts of the country and world. Jeff’s counseling background and prior leadership roles will assist the board and the TBCH team to build on Debbie’s work.”
I think you will like Jeff and appreciate him as an experienced leader.
God provided a man in Jeff Jones with great experience and background to lead TBCH to new milestones. He’s a warm, winsome leader who is very relational. He will collaborate and connect well with staff, clients, donors, and the community as he seeks to lead TBCH into the days ahead.
Jeff begins his work at a historic time for TBCH.
Jeff’s leadership begins at a time when TBCH is on the brink of a drive toward a historic expansion, allowing our ministry to double our community footprint and serve twice as many people. We’re excited to have Jeff (and his wife, Jenn) join the team as we seek to honor God and build a better world by serving children and strengthening families.
He brings a lot of experience and education to the table… and he’s a local native!
Jeff previously served 26 years at our sister organization, Buckner International, where he led in a variety of ministries, including leading Buckner’s children and family counseling arm, then helping Buckner boost its growing international ministries during the early 2000s. Most recently, Jeff led a wing of the Buckner development office, helping Buckner grow its entire ministry. Jeff brings a wealth of experience to our ministry. He’s a native of Austin (he grew up attending Hyde Park Baptist Church) who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University in Waco; dual master of arts degrees in religious education and marriage and family counseling from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth; and a doctor of strategic leadership degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Jeff and his wife have three children. In addition to spending time with family, he enjoys golf, hunting, fishing, travel, mentoring, and Baylor sports.
He’s excited to work with donors and supporters in this great ministry.
Jeff shared his excitement about his new post, emphasizing, “TBCH has a long and stable history of serving vulnerable children and families, the board is amazing, and it has had many constituents walking alongside, helping support the great work. I’ve been familiar with TBCH for many years, especially growing up in Austin. The mission is clear and unwavering as TBCH seeks to embrace, empower and equip those we serve. I am so excited to be a part of it. Stepping on campus, I immediately sensed the love of our Lord. It is a beautiful place with loving staff who care for these families so well: I felt at home, having worked for a sister organization for many years. What has stood out the most for me so far are the people I have met,” he said. “There is such a positive culture and strong alignment around the mission and purpose of the organization. My wife and I are so excited to join the TBCH family.”
He starts with a solid foundation built by Debbie Rippstein Bond.
Our CAHM family has truly been blessed by Debbie’s accomplishments and lifetime of dedication to children and families, meeting the needs of thousands over many years. Debbie has led TBCH to new heights of service, quality, and Christian commitment over this past decade-plus, and she hands the reins to Jeff to take it to the next level. The decade ahead has great promise and opportunity due to the efforts of many, the leadership of Debbie, and the wonderful blessing of God. While we welcome Jeff, we acknowledge Debbie will be greatly missed.
Please welcome Jeff to TBCH and the CAHM family.
I appreciate so much everything this team does to make our ministry successful in providing the love of God to so many hurting people. You’ll love Jeff… he’s a great cultural fit for us… and you’ll love his commitment and caring attitude. As Jeff acclimates to his new role, please welcome him and give him encouragement.
Thanks for supporting our ministries as we serve in God’s name.
Todd Roberson
President and CEO
Children At Heart Ministries