Our friends over at Missionary Athletes International (MAI) have just recently announced their new CEO. MAI has some connections to Soccer Chaplains United as we have supported several former Major League Soccer and United Soccer League players that have played and spent time with their teams and organization. Additionally, a few of the high school and collegiate players that we have worked with have also worked with MAI. It’s an important time for several soccer and ministry organizations, as there have been some key leadership changes and transitions in this year and in the next few years to come.
Please keep MAI in your prayers. Below is from their announcement email a few days ago:
The Board of Directors of Missionary Athletes International, the parent organization of the Charlotte Eagles, Chicago Eagles and So.Cal. Seahorses, is pleased to announce that David Urban has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) for MAI. “David is a visionary, servant leader who has long loved soccer and missions and we are excited to see how the Lord uses David to advance His work through our ministry” stated Tony DiLeonardi, Chairman of MAI’s search committee. Urban’s leadership will begin December 1st and he will work closely with current C.E.O, Pat Stewart, from now through the end of the year executing a smooth transition.
David is currently the Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships at Cairn University, having had positions in the field of higher education for over 20 years. David was the Vice President of Enrollment at Eastern University where he led all enrollment staff, which included 30 employees and managed a budget of approximately $3 million. He established strategic partnerships with partner organizations such as Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. David is also a co-founder and partner in Charter Oak Research which has provided marketing, research, executive search, strategic planning, and consulting services to over 50 clients, including Christian and private schools, colleges, and seminaries in addition to several other business organizations. David strategizes and consults with clients in all areas of enrollment and development (including communications plan development, partnership strategy, marketing, recruitment, financial aid and admissions activities). He holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Business Administration from Eastern University.
“I am very thankful to have the opportunity to lead and work alongside so many great people within Missionary Athletes International. I came to know Christ as my Savior through the environment of my college soccer team and I am excited to be a part of an organization that seeks to glorify God and see lives transformed by communicating the message of Jesus Christ through the global environment of soccer. I look forward to building on the great work that has been done in the past and am excited to see where the Lord leads MAI in the future.” David brings a background in soccer to this position, having played at Eastern University as well as coaching both the men’s and women’s teams.
David is married to Carolyn who works as the Community Partnership Coordinator in MAI’s Charlotte office. They have three children: Madison, Annika and J.D. They are members of Carmel Baptist Church in Charlotte.
“The Board would also like to thank Pat Stewart for his sixteen years of service to MAI. Pat has skillfully and humbly shepherded the organization over his tenure and passes to David a dynamic, flourishing ministry on solid footing – spiritually, strategically, and financially. We are deeply indebted to Pat and thankful to God for him and his service” said Board Chairman, Fred Ely.
Please join the MAI Board of Directors in welcoming David to MAI!
