Senior Fellow & Founder

As founder and previous executive director, Hugh Whelchel brought a unique combination of executive responsibility, creative educational administration, and technical innovation from over thirty years of diverse business experience. Hugh stepped out of a successful business career in the IT industry to share his experience of turning around unprofitable companies with Reformed Theological Seminary’s struggling Washington, DC, campus where he served as executive director and guest professor.

In addition to his business acumen, Hugh had 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, released in May 2012. Hugh’s writing was published by a variety of media outlets from The Washington Post to Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, and ByFaith magazine. He also had been a guest on Moody Radio Network’s “In the Market with Janet Parshall,” Salem Radio Network, IRN/USA Radio Network, and Truth in Action Ministries’ “Truth That Transforms,” and the “Jack Riccardi Show,” among other shows.

In addition to serving on the board of several Christian non-profits, Hugh served as executive director and board member of The Fellows Initiative, an umbrella organization supporting and establishing church-based Fellows Programs which are designed to help young adults understand God’s vocational calling on their lives as they enter their careers.

A native Floridian, Hugh earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from the University of Florida and a master of arts in religion from Reformed Theological Seminary. In his last years, Hugh lived with his wife Leslie in beautiful Loudoun County, Virginia. He also served as an ordained ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America and served in leadership at McLean Presbyterian Church in McLean, Virginia. He enjoyed hiking, golfing, and restoring old sports cars.

Hugh Whelchel passed away on Good Friday in 2024, four years after being diagnosed with ALS.