Abundant Life Hires New Executive Director

The Board of Directors for Charlottesville Abundant Life Ministries is excited to welcome Eddie Howard as its new Executive Director. Eddie grew up in the Prospect neighborhood, Abundant Life’s focus for ministry, and served on staff for eight years, building deep relationships in the community and helping to launch our 5/8 Program. After his initial time with Abundant Life, Eddie moved to Virginia Beach where he was a business owner and continued his vocations of mentoring and pastoring, through his local church and organizations focused on literacy and mentoring fathers.

One of the core values of Abundant Life, which is part of the Christian Community Development model, is raising up indigenous leaders, neighborhood members who return to live and lead in the communities in which they were raised. After 25 years of presence, we are thrilled to see Eddie embody this value while he works to invest in future leaders from the Prospect neighborhood.

Eddie brings experience and energy along with his broad local network to the areas of development, partner building, vision casting, and strategic planning at Abundant Life. His extensive personal experience in peacebuilding and restorative justice practices, as well as his thoughtfulness about community building will inform his approach to this important work. Please join us in welcoming Eddie and his wife, Tonya, back to Charlottesville!