The Board of Directors of Special Olympics Wisconsin is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Hershner as its new President & CEO. Hershner will begin his new role on May 16, 2022.
Chad Hershner, President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin
Hershner is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience guiding day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations with a concentration in organizational visioning, strategic planning, implementation, culture, team building, fundraising and fiscal management. He is particularly skilled at and enjoys working externally with donors and stakeholders.
During his career, Hershner has worked with benefactors and team members to raise more than $300 million to support the mission-focused work of dynamic nonprofit organizations. He is skilled in building positive relationships, leading strong teams and has an authentic commitment to inclusivity.
“I am honored and humbled to serve as the next President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin–I have focused my entire career on working in mission-focused organizations that make a difference,” Hershner said. “Personally, I have several friends whose lives, or the lives of their children, have been positively impacted by their involvement with Special Olympics Wisconsin. I am excited to join an incredible team of staff and I look forward to working closely with our athletes, families and dedicated partners who share in our vision to create communities of inclusion throughout Wisconsin.”
In his role as President & CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin, Hershner will lead the 50-year old organization on its path toward increasing opportunities for athletes to perform at their best, building positive attitudes towards people with intellectual disabilities, generating financial capacity, and improving the effectiveness and efficiency of Special Olympics Wisconsin.
“Mr. Hershner has an impressive track record of management, fundraising, and organizational culture-building experience, as well as a heart for advocating for people with intellectual disabilities,” Chair of Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Board of Directors Marc Cadieux said. “We are thrilled to have Chad join our organization and we are confident the talent he brings will help guide us forward.”
“I also want to thank Don Wigington for serving as Interim President and CEO since January 1, 2022,” Cadieux added. “His leadership and commitment to the staff, athletes and mission are highly commended.”
For more information and to schedule an interview, contact Jennifer Wagner, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at (608) 442-5669 or jwagner@specialolympicswisconsin.org.
