The following is a press release from United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties:
United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties has appointed Springfield native Chad Wilson as its new executive director. Wilson brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit fundraising, community engagement, and live event production experience to the role. A longtime resident of the region, he has built a career rooted in strategic communications and mission-driven leadership across both nonprofit and business sectors.
Board president Christian Holfinger praised Wilson’s “deep local roots” and ability to turn mission awareness into active community engagement. Wilson previously served as a marketing account manager for Big Fish Local, leading brand storytelling and client engagement for area businesses. He also owned Seven Wing Creative in Springfield, where he worked as executive producer overseeing media development and live event production for nonprofit and commercial clients. Earlier in his career, he served in the Ohio Army National Guard and worked as a State Wildlife Officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources before returning to college to study media production at Middle Tennessee State University.
Wilson said he looks forward to strengthening connections across the three-county region, noting that his first priority is to review the organization’s strategic plan alongside staff and board members to ensure alignment before making any changes. He emphasized the need to create accessible pathways for community involvement—especially for local businesses, employees, and young people. “Generosity is contagious,” Wilson said, adding that the national call to action, United is the Way, is more important than ever. He also hopes to raise awareness of United Way’s local impact, noting that while people want to give locally, many are unaware of the trusted role United Way plays in connecting resources to community needs.
Wilson lives in Springfield with his wife, Rachel, and their two sons, Burke and Reed. His appointment follows the August departure of longtime executive director Kerry Pedraza. During the transition, director of community impact Natalie Driscoll served as interim executive director. Holfinger thanked Driscoll for her leadership, noting her steady guidance and dedication to maintaining key initiatives.
For more information about United Way and how to get involved, visit uwccmc.org.
