Chad McEachern

Exciting. Experienced. Engaged. Just a few of the words used by many to describe the ministry of Chad McEachern, President & C.E.O. of the Edmundite Missions. At the Edmundite Missions, Chad provides oversight, vision, and management to all aspects of the organization. He ensures that needed funds are raised and transformative programs are offered to serve those in poverty in the Deep South. Chad works constantly to use his “vocation as an invitation”, inviting others to join the Edmundite Missions in the sacred work of caring for those most in need.

Throughout Chad’s career, he has consistently been nationally recognized as a leader of organizations both within and outside of the Catholic community, including: The Diocese of Madison, The Diocese of Providence, Archdiocese of Boston/National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), Archbishop Williams High School, American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Foundation, United Service Organization (USO), and many others.

As an innovative leader in the community of Catholic Philanthropy, Chad is a highly sought after author and speaker on the topics of fundraising as a ministry, poverty, and Catholic social service within African-American communities. His leadership, counsel, and service are requested by various boards, both in communities served by the Edmundite Missions and nationally, including: the Wallace Community College Foundation Board (Chairman), his local chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the City of Selma’s Personnel Board, the USCCB’s Sub-Committee Task Force for Cultural Affairs Pertaining to African-American Catholics, the National Catholic Community Foundation (Trustee), and more.

Chad has also received many awards for his life-changing work from local, regional, and national organizations. Most recently, he was given a “Community Hero” award from the Office of Congresswoman Terri Sewell for his work during the pandemic. He is humbled by these awards, and holds in a special place the “Citizen of the Year Award” given to him by the students of Clark Elementary School, a Selma school served by the Missions.

Chad’s service to the Catholic community has strong roots in world-class Catholic education. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from St. Michael’s College, studied theology at Saint Bonaventure University and Washington Theological Union, and earned a certificate in Catholic Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Notre Dame University.