NEWS PROVIDED BY
Edify
March 9, 2026
BOSTON, March 9, 2026 /Standard Newswire/ — Following a Spirit-led process of prayer and seeking, Edify is excited to announce the appointment of Jeff Rudder as its new Chief Executive Officer. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues its mission to improve and expand sustainable Christ-centered education globally.
The search for a new leader began just before the passing of Edify’s beloved Co-founder and preceding CEO, Tiger Dawson. Tiger was a visionary leader whose zeal for the Gospel and commitment to Flourishing Godly Nations laid a strong foundation for Edify’s global impact. Under his leadership, the organization grew to partner with over 45,000 schools, impacting over 12 million students across Africa and Latin America in fiscal year 2025 alone.
A New Season of Leadership
Edify’s Board of Directors express their full confidence in Jeff’s ability to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Jeff joins Edify with an extensive background in Christ-centered nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and relationship-first fundraising. Since 2005, he has been the Executive Director of the Young Life Foundation, building an array of complex giving services for Young Life investors, as well as several legacy products designed to propel Young Life for decades to come. Additionally, Jeff has served on several non-profit boards, including six years on the board of The Classical Academy in Colorado Springs.
Most importantly, Jeff shares Edify’s core conviction that Christ-centered education can transform lives and ultimately break generations of physical and spiritual poverty. He shares, “I believe in Edify’s mission and vision. The vision of Flourishing Godly Nations is at the heart of how I understand the Great Commission. Doing it with excellence and in a manner that gives faith, education, opportunity, hope, and joy to young people around the world resonates with how I see my personal calling.”
Board Chair of Edify, Debbie Hall, shares, “The board felt God’s confirmation of Jeff as our next CEO for his passion around culture, mission and vision, spiritual and organizational leadership, relationship building, and faith in Christ. We look forward to welcoming Jeff and are excited for what is ahead as we continue to follow God’s leading and calling of Edify.”
With Jeff assuming his role on May 1, 2026, Edify remains steadfast in its commitment to three key pillars:
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- Training: To equip school leaders and teachers to develop sustainable Christ-centered schools through in-person or virtual training, including one-on-one coaching and follow-up.
- Capital: To improve and expand school facilities through loans from Edify partners, commercial banks, savings and credit associations, and technology partners.
- Education Technology: To enhance learning outcomes and employability through access, training, and integration.
About Edify:
Edify, a nonprofit founded in 2009, is on a mission to improve and expand sustainable Christ-centered education globally by partnering with independent, low-fee schools through impactful training, access to capital, and innovative education technology solutions. As educators help students flourish in their God-given potential, this transformation reshapes students, families, and entire communities.
SOURCE Edify
CONTACT: communications@edify.org