The Forum Facilitator

Hugh Whelchel is currently Executive Director of the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, a non-profit he founded in 2011, committed to advancing biblical and economic principles that help individuals find fulfillment in their work and contribute to a free and flourishing society.

Over the last 45 years during his unique career as a senior executive, Hugh has used his entrepreneurial skills to build and turn around companies in six different industries, including:

• The Environmental Industry
• The Financial/Insurance Industry
• The Consulting Industry
• The IT industry
• Higher Education
• The Non-Profit Sector

In addition to his business acumen, Hugh has a passion and expertise in helping individuals integrate their faith and vocational calling. He is the author of How Then Should We Work? Rediscovering the Biblical Doctrine of Work, which has been translated into several languages.

On the topic of faith and work, Hugh is frequently called upon to teach and speak on the radio, at conferences, churches, seminaries, business groups, and universities around the world. Hugh is a contributor to The Washington Post/On Faith “Local Leaders” website and has been published on The Gospel Coalition.org, Christianity Today, and ByFaith Online. He has also been a guest on Moody Radio Network’s “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” Salem Radio Network, IRN/USA Radio Network, and “Truth That Transforms” (Truth in Action Ministries), among other shows.

He also currently serves as the director of the Board of The Fellows Initiative (TFI), a coalition of post-graduate Christian leadership development programs established in vital communities around the nation. Hugh serves on the boards of several other Christian non-profits as well.

A native Floridian, Hugh graduated from the University of Florida and earned a master’s degree in theology from Reformed Theological Seminary. He is currently finishing his DMin at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, writing his dissertation on a “Biblical View of Wealth Creation.”

Hugh is an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America, serving in leadership at McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean, Virginia. In what little spare time he has, Hugh enjoys hiking, golf, and restoring old sports cars.