Christel House International Announces the Retirement of President and CEO Bart Peterson and Appointment of Successor David Harris
August 19 2024 - 12:31PM
Christel House International, a global nonprofit dedicated to
helping enhance life outcomes for students from under-resourced
communities, announces the retirement of President and Chief
Executive Officer Bart Peterson at the end of August 2024. David
Harris, currently serving as Executive Vice President of Christel
House International, will succeed Peterson as President and CEO.
“It has been an honor to lead Christel House and to work
alongside our remarkable staff and our dedicated board,“ Peterson
said. “The timing for this transition is right. David is an
extraordinary leader with a track record of success. In developing
our comprehensive strategic plan to extend Christel House’s reach
around the world, David helped ensure that this organization is
well-prepared for a future of even greater impact.” Peterson, whose
extensive background in public service and corporate leadership
includes two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis, has led the
organization since 2019. He will continue to serve on the Christel
House International Board of Directors.
The Christel House International Board named David Harris
Christel House’s new President and CEO, effective September 1,
2024. “I am enormously grateful to the Board of Directors for the
opportunity to lead Christel House and to grow Christel DeHaan’s
amazing legacy,” said Harris. “And I know the entire Christel House
community shares my appreciation for Bart Peterson’s leadership
that positioned Christel House to help transform the lives of many
more students in the years and decades to come.” Before
joining Christel House, Harris served as the City of Indianapolis’
first Charter Schools Director, founded The Mind Trust, a model for
urban education reform, and was a partner at City Fund. He has
received numerous awards for his contributions to education. Harris
holds degrees from Northwestern University and Indiana
University.
Christel House International’s Board of Directors expressed
confidence in Harris’s ability to carry forward the vision of
Christel DeHaan, the organization’s Founder. “David’s proven
leadership and commitment to better life outcomes for children born
into poverty make him the ideal successor to guide Christel House
into its next phase of growth and impact,” stated Stephen Ross,
Board Chair. “The board is grateful for Bart’s enormous
contribution to the mission as CEO and for his ongoing
participation on the board.”
About Christel House International
For over 25 years, Christel House has been dedicated to
empowering children from under-resourced communities to realize
their potential and transform their futures. Our holistic model
supports each of our students for 18+ years. This in-depth,
whole-child approach integrates rigorous academic learning with
nutrition and healthcare, life skills, social support, and college
and career guidance. It’s a deep commitment that helps students
demonstrate that they have limitless potential.
Since Christel House’s founding, over 20,000 students have been
served at nine schools around the world in India, Jamaica, Mexico,
South Africa, and the United States. More than a school, Christel
House was established in 1998 by Founder Christel DeHaan. 95% of
graduates are employed or pursue post-secondary education after
graduation. Overall, 73% of graduates secure high-quality early
career jobs. Christel House’s overhead and fundraising costs are
funded annually through a charitable grant from Endless Success
Foundation, a private foundation established by our Founder. This
means that 100% of donations will be used to directly support
programs and services for Christel House students. For more
information, please visit www.christelhouse.org and follow us on
social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Threads.
- Christel House logo
- Students at Christel House
Paul Montgomery
Christel House International
317-464-8268
pmontgomery@christelhouse.org