Chad Black understood the power of CSCNT after witnessing a cancer patient’s demeanor change from terrified to a much lighter presence within 30 minutes of receiving support.
Watching CSCNT CEO Mirchelle Louis take the cancer patient’s hand, say “we’ve got this” and go into a meeting room, Chad was amazed by how much this person transformed after the one-on-one conversation.
“I experienced Mirchelle really walking the walk, which made me very grateful to be a part of this work and mission,” said Chad, who joined CSCNT as our Development Director in November 2024.
Coming to CSCNT with 14 years of experience in the nonprofit world (eight years in Development roles), Chad is well-equipped to tackle fundraising projects and challenges. Prior to CSCNT, he was the Development Director for six years at Family Compass, which provides child abuse prevention services in North Texas. Chad also worked as an Outreach Manager for 2-1-1 Texas Panhandle, the Training and Recruitment Manager for Amarillo Area CASA, and as a Development Manager for Alzheimer’s Association West Texas Chapter.
Chad appreciates that CSCNT touches on the social and emotional aspect of someone’s cancer journey and the community we provide. “CSCNT allows people impacted by cancer to be wrapped up in support and love, and that really spoke to me,” he said.
Through his and the team’s work, Chad hopes CSCNT is no longer the best kept secret. When someone is diagnosed with cancer, he wants them to know exactly where to go for our services and know they aren’t alone.
The best professional advice Chad received is the importance of knowing who you are and never being afraid to let that shine, even if it makes people uncomfortable. “Don’t dim your light for someone else,” he said. “You be you no matter what.” Chad also was influenced by his grandparents, who were sweet, funny, down to earth country folk that didn’t change for anyone, which is why people loved them.
Chad’s most embarrassing moment was when he was 14 and fell off a ski lift. “It injured my pride,” he said, and hasn’t been skiing since then. Outside of work, Chad spends time with his husband Bryan, who he’s been with for 25 years, and their two dogs. They recently bought a home in Plano. He loves to swim and has started writing a crime series.