ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), one of Missouri’s oldest social service agencies and most trusted advocates for children and families, has named Chris Gearin as its new chief development officer.
Gearin joins the LFCS executive team with more than 30 years of leadership experience. As chief development officer, he will lead all fundraising efforts, applying his expertise to expand philanthropic support and engage new partners to advance the LFCS mission.
“Chris’s proven success in donor relations and forging strong nonprofit partnerships, along with his extensive executive leadership, will be a tremendous asset as we work to ensure every child and family has a safe, stable foundation for the future,” said Mike Duggar, president and chief executive officer of LFCS.
“I’m honored to join an organization with such a strong history of service,” said Gearin. “What stood out to me about LFCS is how deeply the agency is ingrained in communities across the state. I look forward to connecting with our supporters to ensure we have the resources necessary to build upon and grow the vital work we do for kids and families.”
Gearin most recently served as director of operations and deputy executive director for the Sever Institute at Washington University. His background in higher education and nonprofit leadership includes serving as director of a doctoral program at Maryville University, more than 20 years as president of Hickey College, and a director position at Harvard University.
A recognized leader in the St. Louis region, Gearin has served on nonprofit advisory boards and received the State of Missouri Meritorious Public Service Award. He is a published scholar in various leadership and higher education journals.
Gearin holds a doctorate from Maryville University, a master’s from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University.
About LFCS
Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS) is a statewide agency based in St. Louis, Missouri, with regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City and numerous satellite counseling sites. LFCS supports Missouri families in times of need through six critical support areas: adoption, behavioral health, parenting education, pregnancy support, foster care, and childcare at the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center. These programs empower individuals and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for a lifetime. Services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender, or age.