Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Schmidt as its Director of Development. With more than 25 years of experience in philanthropy, institutional advancement, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit leadership, Schmidt brings a wealth of expertise to the Academy's efforts to strengthen donor relationships, expand philanthropic support, and advance its mission of developing young men in body, mind, and spirit. 

Throughout his career, Schmidt has demonstrated a commitment to building sustainable funding models, cultivating meaningful partnerships, and supporting educational institutions. His leadership experience includes securing more than $20 million in combined institutional funding through major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and public-sector grants. 

“Fork Union Military Academy is pleased to welcome Charles C. Schmidt as our new Director of Development,” said Mrs. Paige Pruett, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “Charles brings more than 25 years of leadership in philanthropy and institutional partnerships, and his experience will strengthen our ability to serve our cadets for the long term.” 

Most recently, Schmidt served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Relationships at EverRise, where he provided executive leadership in developing partnerships and engagement strategies for educational institutions, athletic organizations, and national industry partners. 

Previously, Schmidt served as Vice President and Executive Director at Playfly Sports Properties, where he helped establish and grow the organization's high school multimedia rights division. During his tenure, he secured approximately $17 million in long-term partnership agreements, creating sustainable revenue opportunities for educational and athletic organizations. 

Schmidt also spent 17 years as Chief Operating Officer of the Arizona Interscholastic Association, overseeing operations for an organization serving approximately 260 member schools and more than 100,000 student-athletes annually. During his leadership, he helped establish the AIA Foundation to provide grants, educational resources, and financial support to member schools. 

His background in educational advancement also includes serving as Director of Institutional Advancement at Valley Lutheran High School, where he supported endowment development and fundraising initiatives. Additionally, he assisted in establishing the Lutheran Education Foundation and co-founded the Out of the Shadows Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth through health, education, and sports-based programming. 

“Charles brings proven capability in cultivating enduring relationships with donors, and corporate partners, skills that will help advance Fork Union’s mission and support sustainable growth,” said David Barrett, member of the Board of Trustees. 

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Schmidt has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to education and youth development. He previously served as a governor-appointed member of the Arizona State Board of Education and as a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Phoenix. His contributions to educational athletics and leadership have earned national recognition, including honors from the National Federation of State High School Associations. 

As a resident of Fork Union, Schmidt also brings a personal connection to the community he will serve. His commitment to youth leadership, character development, and institutional sustainability aligns closely with the Academy's mission and values. 

In his new role, Schmidt will focus on strengthening relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of the Academy, cultivating philanthropic partnerships, and expanding opportunities for giving that directly support Fork Union's cadets and long-term institutional priorities. 

Fork Union Military Academy looks forward to the leadership, experience, and vision Schmidt will bring to its development efforts as the Academy continues building upon its 128-year legacy of educating and developing young men. 

About Fork Union Military Academy 

Founded in 1898, Fork Union Military Academy is a college preparatory military boarding school for young men in grades 7–12 and postgraduate students. Located in Fork Union, Virginia, the Academy is dedicated to developing young men in body, mind, and spirit through a structured environment emphasizing academic excellence, character development, leadership, and personal growth.