Contact: Kenneth Chan, National Religious Broadcasters, 703-331-4520, press@nrb.org

MANASSAS, Va., Oct. 10, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Jerry A. Johnson as the association's new President & CEO.

Dr. Johnson was unanimously elected by the NRB Board of Directors on October 1 after being vetted by the Presidential Search Committee and later selected by the Executive Committee following a five-month search.

In announcing the selection, NRB Board Chairman Rich Bott noted, "We are excited about the future of NRB. With today's technologies, there are amazing opportunities to advance God's Word worldwide. Dr. Jerry Johnson is extremely well-suited to lead NRB into the future. We have chosen an outstanding leader who is rooted in Scripture and motivated by the Great Commission, using the tools of today. NRB's best days are yet ahead in the service for the Kingdom!"

"Dr. Johnson brings a wealth of experience and a Kingdom commitment that will serve this great association well in the months and years ahead," added outgoing President & CEO Dr. Frank Wright, who announced in March his intention to step down after leading the world's pre-eminent association of Christian broadcasters and communicators for the past 10 years.

Presently, Dr. Johnson serves as President of Criswell College in Dallas, TX. While at Criswell, Dr. Johnson oversaw the operation of one of the nation's leading major market Christian radio stations, KCBI–FM in Dallas, which was recognized by NRB as Station of the Year in 2011. He graduated from Criswell College in 1986, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. In 1997, he received a Master of Arts in Historical and Theological Studies from Conservative Baptist Seminary in Denver, CO. And in 2003, he received his Ph.D. in Christian Ethics from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Johnson also studied at Oxford University in England and served as Director of the Oxford Distinguished Scholar's Program.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Johnson served in the senior administration and faculty at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Associated with Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in various roles for 14 years, Johnson was Dean of Boyce College, served on the seminary's executive cabinet, was Assistant Director of Development, and was a Trustee from 1989 to 1998, twice serving as Board Chairman.

In addition, Dr. Johnson served as Vice President for Academic Development, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of Ethics and Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, MO, from 2009 to 2010.

Regarding Dr. Johnson, Dr. Fred Luter, Jr., President of the Southern Baptist Convention, commented: "I am excited to hear that Dr. Jerry Johnson has been elected as President of the National Religious Broadcasters. I thank God for his dedicated leadership at Criswell College and in the Southern Baptist Convention and I look forward to working with him and the NRB to advance biblical truth and defend religious liberty."

Dr. Russell D. Moore, President of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, added: "At an age when many college kids were deciding whether to get up for 8:00 a.m. English Comp class, Jerry Johnson was organizing conservative Evangelicals all over the country. This leadership genius, evident at such a young age, keeps surging through the decades. My friend Jerry Johnson is one of the most respected leaders and institution-builders in American Christianity today. He's clear in conviction, and he inspires loyalty in all around him. In Jerry Johnson, the NRB has found a leader who can take the Old-Time Religion into a brave new world with integrity, vision, wisdom, and skill. What a brilliant choice. I can't wait to work together."

Regarding his own selection and confirmation, Dr. Johnson said, "It is an honor to be elected as President & CEO of National Religious Broadcasters and it is a joy to sense God's calling to lead this association of Christian communicators. By experience and conviction, I am ready and willing to lead NRB to achieve our three-fold mission: advancing biblical truth, promoting media excellence, and defending free speech. Advancing biblical truth has been my passion as a pastor, theological educator, and Great Commission Christian. If Christians want to be heard by the current generation, they will have to communicate the gospel in their 'media language' with excellence. Recent developments on the cultural and legal landscape require that we defend the biblical and constitutional principle of free speech with zeal. With God's help, I am ready to give myself to this task. I am thankful for Dr. Frank Wright's faithful service as my predecessor and plan to build on the foundation of his leadership."

Dr. Johnson will officially assume the duties of NRB President & CEO on November 1, 2013. He is married to Rhonda and they have two children, Isaiah and Eva.