United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties Announces New Executive Director

This week, the United Way of Clark, Champaign, and Madison Counties announced Chad Wilson as its new executive director. Wilson, a Springfield native, comes to the organization with nearly 20 years of nonprofit fundraising and community engagement experience.

“Chad’s deep local roots and ability to convert mission awareness into active engagement will serve United Way’s mission well,” says Christian Holfinger, president of the UWCCMC board of directors. 

Wilson’s career includes serving as a marketing account manager for Big Fish Local, where he led client engagement and brand storytelling for local businesses. He also owned Seven Wing Creative in Springfield, serving as executive producer and overseeing media development and live event production for both nonprofit and commercial clients throughout the region. Earlier in his career, he was a soldier in the Ohio Army National Guard and a State Wildlife Officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, before returning to college to study media production at Middle Tennessee State University. This blend of practical leadership, creative strategy and service-oriented experience shapes his approach to community work. 

“I’ve lived and worked in all three counties (Clark, Champaign and Madison) and look forward to expanding my network in each,” Wilson says. “My first priority is to study the strategic plan closely alongside the board and staff to make sure I’m conducting the organization on the ‘sheet of music’ this trusted team is already playing from, before we make any changes.” 

Wilson emphasized the importance of building accessible pathways for community engagement, especially for local businesses, employees and youth. 

“I believe in creating clear on-ramps for people to serve,” he says. “Generosity is contagious, and in these challenging times, the national call-to-action of ‘United is the Way’ is more important than ever.”

Wilson also hopes to elevate awareness of United Way’s local impact across the three-county region. 

“I have found that people want to give locally to help their neighbors thrive; however, many are not aware of the vital role United Way plays in facilitating a trusted path to do so,” he says. “With strong storytelling, strategic digital outreach and relationship building across our communities, I want to help our team make our mission easy to understand and inspiring to support.” 

Wilson lives in Springfield with his wife, Rachel, and their two sons, Burke and Reed. 

The appointment follows the departure of longtime UWCCMC Executive Director Kerry Pedraza in August. During the search process, UWCCMC’s director of community impact, Natalie Driscoll, served as interim executive director. 

“We are grateful to Natalie for her steadfast guidance during this time of transition,” says Holfinger. “She ensured organizational continuity and maintained focus on key community initiatives, and we are grateful for her willingness to step up and serve.” 

To learn more about United Way, visit uwccmc.org.