By Kristen Poland
Staff Writer

    In his two years at the helm of Blackbaud Inc., President and CEO Marc Chardon has worked to grow the company, which designs software specifically for nonprofit organizations, by finding ways to broaden its customer base. In addition, Chardon brings to the company an intimate understanding of the nonprofit world that stems from his family history.

    Throughout its more than 25-year history, Blackbaud has engineered its software to serve primarily mid-size nonprofits. However, key acquisitions this year—eTapestry, Target Software and Target Analysis Group—have opened the door for Blackbaud to serve the full spectrum of the nonprofit sector, as well as to improve upon its current products and services. In May 2007 the company released a new technology platform that will boost the performance of existing software and support new software that can more easily be customized and will allow for heightened levels of IT security.

    “I think I was brought here (to Blackbaud) to identify how to serve more customers and service existing customers more deeply,” said Chardon, who worked as an executive with Microsoft from 1998 to 2005. “That’s what I did at Microsoft. I’m adding on to the foundation” built by founder and former CEO Tony Bakker and former CEO Robert J. Sywolski.

    In 2005, Blackbaud’s first year as a public company, it generated $166 million in revenue. In 2006, Chardon’s first full year as CEO, annual sales increased nearly 16% to $192 million. The total revenue reported for the third quarter this year is 36% higher than what was reported for the same period in 2006. And since 2005, the company’s customer base has increased by nearly 50% from 13,000 to 19,000, in part, because of the acquisitions of eTapestry and Target.

    In the two years prior to accepting his current position, Chardon served as CFO of Microsoft's $11 billion Information Worker Business. In that role, he was responsible for developing a sustainable growth strategy and plan for the business. Chardon joined Microsoft in 1998 as general manager of Microsoft France, then a 650-person subsidiary. Before his Microsoft stint, Chardon spent 14 years with Digital Equipment in a variety of international marketing, business, and operational roles, including head of corporate strategy and general manager of Digital France.  

    Chardon, who graduated from Harvard University with a degree in economics and holds dual citizenship in France and the United States, grew up in Massachusetts and later spent seven years working in Europe. A Charleston resident, he has two children and was married to Marnie Ross in February. Chardon enjoys boating and is a member of Charleston’s chapter of Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, a society of Burgundy wine enthusiasts. He also serves on the Board of Governors for the College of Charleston School of Business and Economics.

    Chardon’s understanding of the world of nonprofits extends far beyond his expertise in creating software for them. As a young man, Chardon volunteered with the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE,  a nonprofit founded in the 1960s by his grandmother, Sarah Delano, to preserve the historic whaling town of New Bedford, Mass. Later, Chardon volunteered with Alternatives to Violence, a worldwide association of volunteer groups offering experiential workshops in conflict resolution, responses to violence and personal growth.

    “I think you can’t work (at Blackbaud) convincingly in a visible role without knowing what it’s like in the nonprofit world,” Chardon said.

    Blackbaud recently received the South Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals 2007 Outstanding Business Award for its impact on philanthropy in the Charleston community. In addition, Blackbaud’s endowment with the Coastal Community Fund topped $1 million.

    “At a certain point in your life when you’ve had a particular amount of success, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are to have had the education and opportunities that got us where we are,” Chardon said. “With power and success comes a responsibility to give back to the community.”

Kristen Poland is a staff writer for SCBIZ. E-mail her at kpoland@setcommedia.com.

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