Charlotte, N.C. – (August 13, 2024) – The YMCA of Greater Charlotte announces Eduardo (Ed) Paat as the organization’s new chief development officer (CDO). In this pivotal role, Ed will support the YMCA’s mission as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social impact.

Paat will drive the successful execution of an ambitious development strategy. As a key member of the executive leadership team, he will foster a robust culture of philanthropy and deploy a multi-channel fundraising strategy, with the goal of raising $100 million by 2027 to support the YMCA’s mission and strategic direction.

He will lead the development and implementation of comprehensive campaigns, transformational gifts, major and individual giving, corporate partnerships, planned giving and other fundraising channels. Leading a team of fundraisers and support staff, he will mobilize positive community relations, and work closely with the board of directors, CEO, and committees to achieve fundraising targets. Additionally, he will manage a portfolio of transformational and major donors and maximize the donor experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ed to the YMCA of Greater Charlotte as our new chief development officer. His extensive experience in nonprofit management and proven track record in fundraising make him an exceptional fit for our organization,” said Sue Glass, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “We are confident that Ed will lead our development efforts with great success and help us achieve our ambitious goals for the future."

Paat comes to the Y from the Central Carolinas chapter of A Kid Again, where he served as the organization’s executive director. A Kid Again is a national nonprofit providing free, year-round adventures for children with life-threatening conditions and their families. During his time there, he led the organization’s expansion into the Central Carolinas market and quickly grew the chapter into one of the largest in the United States. 

He began his nonprofit career with the Boy Scouts of America as the director of endowment. He later served as the director of development for The Able Trust and Carolinas AGC, a trade association made up of contractors and construction-related firms. He also served as the president and CEO of Catherine’s House, a transitional housing program for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Paat holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and earned his Master of Public Administration from Clemson University with a concentration in nonprofit management. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and a Certified Association Executive (CAE). He lives in Rock Hill with his wife Megan and their four children.

Paat succeeds Dean Jones, who is retiring later this year after 24 years with the Y. His first day with the Y will be August 19.

About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 15 membership centers and two overnight camps, nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves our community’s health and well-being, and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise but to deliver lasting personal and social change. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte is a proud recipient of a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.