By Pat Centner, AFA Journal staff writer

September 2002 – AFA Chairman Don Wildmon recently announced the appointment of Edward O. (Eddie) Powell as director of the American Family Association Foundation (AFAF).  Powell, who came to AFA in early July, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his law practice in Tupelo, Mississippi, where his specialties are tax law and estate planning.

“Powell’s commitment to the Lord, along with his legal expertise, make him ideally suited for the position of AFAF director,” says Wildmon. “His knowledge in estate planning and charitable giving will be especially valuable as he helps our clients fashion a giving plan that not only meets their personal needs, but also honors the Lord.”

After graduating from Mississippi State University in 1983 with a degree in educational psychology, Powell soon realized his real interest lay in the field of law. As a result, he “switched gears” and attended law school at Mississippi College in Jackson where he earned his law degree in 1988. One year later, he graduated from the University of Miami (Florida) with an LL.M. in taxation. After practicing law in Houston, Mississippi, his hometown, Powell felt the Lord guiding him to open his own office in Tupelo, where he has practiced for five years.

“One of the reasons I chose to specialize in estate planning and tax law in the first place was that I thought it would give me an opportunity to talk to people about death and, ultimately, their relationship with the Lord,” explains Powell. 

“I have two primary objectives for my work here at AFA,” he continues. “I want to teach people biblical stewardship principles, and to help them maximize their charitable gifts. It is my belief that Christians should not make charitable gifts solely for the tax benefits they will receive. Instead, I hope they desire to give because they love the Lord and want to honor Him through their gifts. However, charitable giving is encouraged by the tax code. Thus, I see my role as maximizing the benefit to the client as well as to the Lord’s work. It’s a win-win situation.”  

Powell will be meeting with AFA clients one-on-one and helping them achieve their charitable giving goals. He will also work closely with the attorney chosen by the AFA client to prepare the documentation for their plan or gift. Speaking at estate and financial planning seminars will be another important responsibility. 

Born and bred a Mississippian, Powell’s family roots run deep. Both sides of his family have lived in the state for several generations, and Powell has fond memories of his childhood on the family’s 300-acre farm near Houston. Although much of the farmland was rented out during his youth, Powell remembers helping his dad, Thomas, with some of the daily chores. He says his interest in tax law possibly came from his dad, who worked at the State Tax Commission for 37 years. After a heart attack claimed his father’s life in 1989, Powell returned to the family farm where he lives today with his mother, Ruth. 

 “My parents’ love and support made me the person I am today, and I will always be grateful to them,” Powell remarks. Their strong Christian upbringing laid the foundation for one of his favorite activities these past ten years  – teaching an adult Sunday School class at First United Methodist Church in Houston.  “Being in God’s Word and learning the riches of His mercy and grace have helped me realize the great responsibility we, as Christians, have to honor God by being good stewards of all He’s given us. 

 “In my work as an attorney, and especially in this new position at AFA, the Scripture I use to guide me is from the Old Testament book of Micah: ‘and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?’ I’m excited about the tremendous potential the foundation has for helping AFA donors maximize their charitable giving. I look forward to meeting and working with them toward a common goal. At the same time, being here at AFA provides a great way for me to use both my education and my experience in a ministry setting. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”  

For assistance with your estate design, contact Eddie at 800-326-4543, ext. 206.