Penn Charter is thrilled to announce that Chad O’Kane has been appointed chief advancement officer. He will begin his tenure on July 14, 2025.
Chad brings more than 25 years of experience in leadership, program development and institutional advancement—including 12 years in Quaker education. His career reflects a blend of servant leadership, entrepreneurial thinking and mission-driven strategy, grounded in a deep commitment to education and community.
For the past 12 years, Chad has served as director of development at Wilmington Friends School, where he led a historic capital campaign that surpassed its goal ahead of schedule. He played a central role in securing the school’s largest individual gift, strengthening alumni engagement and aligning advancement strategy with long-term sustainability. Chad also built and mentored a high-performing team, emphasizing collaboration, accountability and professional growth. His steady leadership during times of transition was marked by clarity, compassion and a focus on mission-driven results.
Chad’s impact extends far beyond metrics. He believes deeply in the power of Quaker education to nurture ethical, engaged citizens who serve as agents of positive change. “Leaders of Quaker institutions,” he writes, “must foster a strong sense of community, instill a deep commitment to responsibility, and inspire a shared vision of making the world a better and more just place.” During his visit to campus, community members appreciated his clarity around partnership—how advancement work can meaningfully support shared goals across the school. His understanding of Quaker values and his relational leadership style will be strong assets to our community.
Chad also brings a strong foundation in research to his work. As a participant in the Friends Council on Education’s Institute for Engaging Leadership, he conducted an action research project titled Building a Culture of Philanthropy: Why Faculty and Staff Participation is Critical to Broader Fundraising Efforts of a Quaker School. Focused on educating school employees about the role of philanthropy in independent school finances, this work underscores Chad’s commitment to transparency and shared purpose. He has contributed to national conversations on advancement through presentations at CASE-NAIS, the Quaker Fundraisers Gathering and the National Association for Media Literacy Education.
Chad’s leadership is relational and grounded in empathy. His deep commitment to justice and equity is reflected not only in his professional roles but also in his personal values and lived experience. He has contributed meaningfully to this work through his involvement with the NAACP Main Line Branch Education Committee, as a facilitator in WFS’s READ program—an initiative fostering dialogue and action on race and inclusion—and through his ongoing efforts to build more inclusive and informed school communities. Colleagues consistently highlight his ability to build trust, connect with donors, collaborate with trustees and faculty, and serve as a thoughtful and strategic partner.
A committed Philadelphian, Chad is founding board chair of Paws and Affection, a Narberth-based nonprofit that trains service dogs for children with disabilities, and serves on the Narberth Environmental Advisory Committee. He holds a master’s degree in communication from Virginia Tech and a B.A. in media studies from James Madison University, where he graduated magna cum laude.
Chad shared: “I'm honored to join the Penn Charter community, where Quaker values and a genuine respect for each individual guide the work. During my visit, I was struck by the warmth, purpose and energy on campus. I'm excited to get started and support the school's mission and its commitment to excellence, connection and lives that make a difference.”
In addition, Chris Rahill OPC ’99, with his steady and thoughtful leadership as interim leader of the development office over the past year, has been promoted to director of development. In this new role, he will partner closely with Chad to lead our advancement work with continuity, purpose and strategic vision.
Over the past 16 years—including more than a decade at Penn Charter—Chris has demonstrated strong leadership and care for this community. His experience spans teaching, coaching, admissions and fundraising, with a consistent focus on relationship-building and mission-aligned execution. Chris is a connector at heart, known for his ability to forge meaningful relationships with alumni, parents and colleagues.
At Penn Charter, Chris has helped shape key fundraising initiatives, stewarded leadership donors and collaborated on both annual and capital campaigns. He has also led the growth of the Pennsylvania Tax Credit Programs (EITC and OSTC), contributed to athletics facility enhancements and expanded alumni engagement through inclusive programming and strategic partnerships, including with the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. Chris’s longtime involvement with Penn Charter athletics, including with the Little Quakers football program, speaks to his deep connection to community tradition.
Chris’s people-centered leadership, institutional knowledge and deep commitment to Penn Charter’s mission make him a vital partner in this next phase of advancement work. His new role ensures that our efforts will continue to be grounded in the school’s values while embracing opportunities for growth. He brings a forward-looking lens to the work, exploring ways to innovate donor engagement, leverage data insights for deeper impact, and elevate our storytelling to more powerfully convey the transformative impact of a Penn Charter education.
Together with the entire development team, Chad and Chris will offer complementary leadership—honoring Penn Charter’s enduring traditions while embracing new opportunities for growth. Grounded in Quaker values and guided by a shared belief in the power of community, their partnership reflects the strength, care and deep affinity that so many in our community feel for this extraordinary school.
At a time of exciting momentum, we are confident that the Development Office will continue to thrive—rooted in purpose, sustained by relationships and inspired by the collective commitment of those who love and believe in Penn Charter.