Matt Panos

On Monday, September 19 2022, Matt Panos started his first day as the Vice President of Advancement at Children of the Nations. Working from Phoenix, Matt leads the advancement team to accelerate the mission of transforming lives in Africa and the Caribbean.

Matt has spent his entire career in advancement and development with organizations such as Food for the Hungry, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Feed the Hungry, and Eckerd Kids. A common theme with each of these organizations is the focus on child development and growth, Matt said, similar to Children of the Nations’ mission.

Matt was drawn to this position because he appreciated the commitment to child-focused community development programming which aligns with his passion.

“I know this type of programming works and sets communities on the path to sustained development,” he said.

This week, staff, board members, and partners expressed excitement and welcomed Matt with words of encouragement.

“We are grateful that God has called Matt to be a part of the solution to a child’s prayer,” said Chris Clark, CEO and founder of Children of the Nations. “Matt’s experience and genuine heart will make him a tremendous asset to Children of the Nations.”

“Matt brings new ideas and a fresh perspective to the mission of Children of the Nations,” says board member Brandon Beard. “I know he is going to help our partners clearly see and connect with the transformation they are a part of in the countries where we serve.”

With a heart for children living in poverty, Matt will lead strategic planning of field activities in the United States, focusing on the development of area offices that mobilize local churches, community groups, individuals, and businesses to partner with Children of the Nations. His involvement will impact thousands of children in need every day to ensure they have access to physical, educational, social, and emotional care.

“The pillars under this program at Children of the Nations are virtually the same as the ones under the child-centered programs I’ve known most of my ministry life,” Matt said.

With extensive knowledge and experience managing ministry fund development, digital marketing, child sponsorship, church development and more, Matt said that God has placed him in the right roles to positively impact millions of children during his career.

“My goal is to grow income for Children of the Nations so we are able to transform the lives of more children and their communities,” he said.

“No matter what period we look at in human history, the teaching, training, and opportunities afforded to children have shaped that period’s future. And the present is no different than any time in the past.”

Originally from Westport, Connecticut, Matt now resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife, Susan. They have two children who also live in the area. Matt came from a Jewish background and became a Christian as an adult. Throughout his career, he has traveled to 45 countries, working internationally and raising funds for programs.

Children of the Nations is an international nonprofit headquartered in Silverdale, Washington dedicated to raising children to be the next generation of leaders to transform their communities and nations. The organization provides clean water, food, education, medical care, and Christian mentorship to children living in poverty in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.