New controller brings head for numbers, heart for ministry to ABHMS
VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 12/09/2024)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has welcomed Phil Cook as its new controller, marking the start of an exciting chapter for both following the retirement of Alma Hazboun after a decade-long tenure in the position. With nearly 30 years of accounting experience across nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Cook brings a unique combination of expertise, faith, and unbridled enthusiasm to his role.
Noting Cook’s financial expertise and genuine passion for ministry and mission, Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, ABHMS’ executive director, said, “We are pleased and proud to have Phil among us. His professional acumen and faith-driven approach will enhance our stewardship of critical resources and strengthen our capacity to advance God’s kingdom. We look forward to the vital contributions he will make in this critical role.”
Cook’s career journey leading to ABHMS is a testament to his steady growth and commitment. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Virginia State University, he began his professional path at Liberty Property Trust in Malvern, Pennsylvania, where he was responsible for accounts payable and receivable. Three years later, he was ready to join the University City Science Center in Philadelphia, an experience that shaped his approach to work with its emphasis on collaboration and mission-driven impact.
Over a period of 20 years at the Science Center, a nonprofit renowned for its ecosystem of vital resources and connections needed to fuel the growth of life sciences startups, Cook advanced from corporate accountant to assistant controller, becoming responsible for complex budgets and financial processes while providing support to numerous entrepreneurial ventures.
Reflecting on his time there, Cook characterized his work as being more than about numbers—it was also about nurturing relationships. The Science Center “was a hub for innovation and collaboration, where we supported startups not just financially but by fostering an environment of mutual growth where they could thrive,” he said.
Cook’s next career step took him to West Chester University as a supervising accountant managing assets and budgets for the state-run institution. The challenging but rewarding work “taught me resilience and deepened my commitment to professional growth,” Cook noted.
While at West Chester, Cook balanced his job responsibilities with pursuing an MBA, an educational journey he began with his wife’s encouragement and continues to pursue despite personal challenges. Cook expects to complete his MBA in spring 2025, a milestone that reflects his resilience and determination.
The decision to leave West Chester was not one Cook approached lightly; however, he was inexorably drawn to ABHMS’ faith-based mission as a believer in the transformative power of expanding God’s kingdom. “When I learned about the opportunity, I felt it was a natural extension of my faith and career,” he explained. “It’s a privilege to contribute to a ministry where my work feels meaningful and aligned with my values.”
Cook’s transition to ABHMS also represents his first foray into book publishing, a challenge he embraces with curiosity and determination. “Accounting I know,” he noted with a smile, “but publishing is new territory for me. Understanding Judson Press [ABHMS’ historic publishing ministry] and working to enhance its operations is something I’m looking forward to.”
As he immerses himself in his new role, Cook relishes the opportunity to contribute to ABHMS’ “community culture,” what Cook describes as a positive work environment founded on genuine human connections. “The environment here matters,” he asserted. “I’m eager to learn from my colleagues and build on the strong relationships that are already part of ABHMS. When you enjoy the people around you, the job becomes more rewarding.”
Outside of the rigors of his chosen profession, Cook sees his life as defined by faith and family. He is a lifelong churchgoer and a current trustee of Philadelphia’s 19th Street Baptist Church. He is also a devoted father of three boys and husband whose wife is his “greatest supporter,” especially in encouraging professional and personal growth. Further, Cook proudly acknowledges his parents’ significance in shaping his work ethic and worldview: “My dad went back to work at 55 as a trash collector to put me through college. And my mom? She earned her doctorate after raising me. They’re my role models. Their determination inspires me every day.”
With a collaborative spirit and a heart grounded in faith, Cook is poised to contribute to ABHMS not just as a financial steward, but as a key part of ABHMS’ ongoing mission. To him, being the organization’s controller is more than an accounting job—it is a calling. Motivated by scripture that urges him to work “as if working for the Lord,” he enthusiastically approaches each day with purpose. “When I think of my faith and the legacy I want to build for my family,” he said, “I’m driven to give my best.”
American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.
American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.
