CarterBaldwin Recruits New CEO for Edify

Nonprofit organization Edify appoints Jeff Rudder as its new chief executive officer.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:04am

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of hardcover books, a wooden cross, and a globe on a clean white background, symbolizing Edify's focus on faith-based education and global impact.Edify's new CEO Jeff Rudder brings a wealth of experience in Christ-centered non-profit leadership to guide the organization's mission of expanding sustainable education worldwide.San Diego Today

CarterBaldwin Executive Search has assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Rudder as the new CEO of Edify, a nonprofit organization focused on improving and expanding sustainable Christ-centered education globally. The search was led by Chris Hornsby, Kevin Ung, and Jodi Delika. This appointment marks a significant milestone for Edify as it continues its mission under new leadership following the passing of its co-founder and preceding CEO, Tiger Dawson.

Why it matters

Edify's work in providing Christ-centered education in developing countries is crucial to its mission of 'Flourishing Godly Nations.' The selection of a new CEO with extensive experience in Christ-centered nonprofit leadership will help guide Edify through its next phase of growth and expansion.

The details

Jeff Rudder joins Edify with an extensive background in Christ-centered nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and relationship-focused fundraising. Since 2005, he has been the executive director of the Young Life Foundation, building an array of complex giving services and legacy products. Edify partners with 46 organizations in 11 countries worldwide, including Burkina Faso, the Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Liberia, Northeast India, Peru, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Uganda.

  • The search for a new Edify CEO began just before the passing of the organization's co-founder and preceding CEO, Tiger Dawson.
  • Jeff Rudder was appointed as the new Edify CEO in April 2026.

The players

Jeff Rudder

The new CEO of Edify, with an extensive background in Christ-centered nonprofit work, organizational leadership, and relationship-focused fundraising.

Debbie Hall

The board chair of Edify, who said the board felt God's confirmation of Jeff Rudder as the next CEO.

Tiger Dawson

The co-founder and preceding CEO of Edify, who passed away prior to the search for a new leader.

CarterBaldwin Executive Search

The retained executive search firm that assisted in the recruitment of Jeff Rudder as the new Edify CEO.

Chris Hornsby, Kevin Ung, and Jodi Delika

The CarterBaldwin team that led the search for Edify's new CEO.

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What they’re saying

“This appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization as it continues its mission to improve and expand sustainable Christ-centered education globally.”

— Edify

“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.”

— Debbie Hall, Board Chair, Edify

“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.”

— Jeff Rudder, CEO, Edify

What’s next

Edify will welcome Jeff Rudder as its new CEO and work to continue expanding its Christ-centered education initiatives in developing countries around the world.

The takeaway

The appointment of Jeff Rudder, an experienced leader in Christ-centered nonprofit work, signals Edify's commitment to its mission of improving and expanding sustainable education globally through a faith-based approach.