2011-2012 Communication and Leadership Award
Marc Chardon, CEO, Blackbaud

Marc Chardon joined Blackbaud as president and chief executive officer in November 2005.  Chardon’s first taste of philanthropy came during his teenage years when he worked to restore historic buildings in New Bedford, Massachusetts that were saved by Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE (WHALE), a nonprofit organization founded by his grandmother Sarah Delano.  Marc Chardon is currently a member of the Board of Governors, College of Charleston School of Business and Economics and a founding partner and Chairman of the Charleston Philanthropic Partnership (a social venture partnership).

Due to Marc Chardon’s leadership, Blackbaud employees work with local nonprofits in many ways. Eighty percent of employees give back to nonprofits either financially or by volunteering at local nonprofits.  Three hundred employees are on boards of nonprofits, which allow these employees to collaborate with interesting people who have the same interests to effect change in an organization utilizing their leadership and communication skills.  Marc Chardon encouraged the creation of the Reward your Passion program and that focuses on the employee’s service and commitment to make a difference in the world and grants awards to the non-profit they are doing this with.  Each year he encourages Blackbaud employees to participate in the national Day of Caring.  Blackbaud employees strive to be a leader in showing that we can and will work together, being a positive force for change.  Another large way Blackbaud uses their leadership skills is through Team Blackbaud.  Team Blackbaud is an employee-led organization dedicated to promoting philanthropy and to helping other employees connect with local non-profits.

Marc Chardon has been a pivotal supporter of Blackbaud Toastmasters which was chartered 10 years ago.  His support has allowed hundreds of Blackbaud employees to develop and fine tune leadership and communication skills which launched their careers.  Planning and goal setting, delegating authority, team building, coaching and motivating others are just a few of the invaluable skills learned by participating in Blackbaud Toastmasters but also by following Marc’s example.  Marc’s support of Blackbaud Toastmasters is also demonstrated by allowing them to use the facilities at no charge for major events.  Blackbaud, with Marc’s support generously sponsored a Toastmaster’s Leadership Institute at their lovely facility on Daniel Island.  Several members of Blackbaud’s staff worked during the training to ensure there were no issues with the projectors, the audio equipment and anything else that was needed.

Through his philanthropic vision, Blackbaud was honored as the 2007 AFP Outstanding Business for its corporate commitment to philanthropy and community involvement. In 2010, he formalized the company’s corporate citizenship program, directly overseeing many philanthropic initiatives.

Past Communication & Leadership Award Recipients