Lorenzo A. Watson, M.Div. will lead the future vision of the 30+ year-old national non-profit
CHICAGO, Illinois — The Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) has named Lorenzo A. Watson as its new President and CEO. The over 30-year-old grassroots organization, whose members share a common commitment to seeing people and communities experience God’s shalom, is eager to move forward confidently under Watson’s leadership and with the full support of the board, staff, and membership of CCDA.
Watson, who has been serving CCDA as Interim President and CEO since November 1, 2022, led with excellence while simultaneously pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Research & Policy Analysis. He previously served as CCDA’s Director of Communication and Marketing, and as the Director of Education and Equipping. Additionally, Lorenzo comes with 20 years of experience serving on the ground in faith and justice-oriented spaces as a minister, an educator, and a consultant.
“I am grateful for God’s guidance in CCDA’s process of identifying and affirming our next CEO and President, and I am humbled by the provision of this exceptional leader. We believe Lorenzo Watson is uniquely prepared and positioned to lead CCDA in this critical moment for the global Church. His experience within the organization in various capacities, paired with his creativity, vision, and steady leadership lay a strong foundation from which he will continue and expand CCDA’s legacy of doing biblically-rooted community development and justice work. We invite our members, partners, and friends to celebrate this great news with us and to walk with us into the future that God is shaping for CCDA.” Mayra Macedo-Nolan, CCDA Board Chair
Watson officially took on the new title on September 1st.
“I am deeply honored to assume the role of President and CEO of CCDA. Gratitude goes to the CCDA board, staff, members, and partners for their trust and support. It is a privilege to lead an organization with such a rich history and a powerful mission to see all people and communities experience God’s shalom. CCDA has always been about centering and serving the marginalized and the poor, and that remains at the heart of who we are. As we embark on this journey together, I am inspired by our collective potential to create a world where everyone can flourish, as we are guided by the transformative power of God’s love and justice.” Lorenzo A. Watson, incoming CCDA President & CEO
For more information or inquiries, please email us at info@ccda.org.
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