Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee has hired David L. Edwards III as its chief development officer, the first role of its kind within the organization, to oversee the strategy and implementation of all fundraising, volunteer recruitment, marketing and communications efforts.
“David’s personal mission is aligned with our agency, and his passion for investing in young people and their future is evident,” said Melissa Hudson-Gant, CEO of BBBSMT. “His talent as a leader and commitment to empowering young people will enable us to continue expanding our impact throughout Middle Tennessee.”
In his new role, Edwards will head the effort to increase the community’s investment in BBBSMT and recruit a more diverse pool of volunteer mentors that reflects the community it serves. Additionally, he will oversee the launch of an alumni program to build and grow the mentor network to support youth, and engage alumni and current stakeholders in all aspects of the organization.
“My life’s work and personal mission has been centered around serving youth and young adults,” said Edwards. “I look forward to defending the potential of thousands of young people through my work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. The best is yet to come.”
Edwards brings over 12 years of experience in community leadership and engagement to his new role. He most recently served as the director of distinguished partners at the American Cancer Society, where he helped generate new corporate partners, major gift donors and distinguished events to reach the organization’s $5 million goal across the state of Tennessee in 2020.
Edwards earned his bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in music education from Tennessee State University in 2007, and went on to earn a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology from Emmanuel Theological Seminary in Nashville.
Outside of his work at BBBSMT, Edwards serves as a pastor at Divine Destiny Ministries in Murfreesboro. He enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling, reading leadership books and, above all, spending time with his wife, Shanae Edwards, and their two sons.
