Charles M. “Chaud” RichardsPresident

From 1992 NETZEL GRIGSBY ASSOCIATES to 2026, Chaud, pronounced “Chod”, served clients ranging from the arts, museums, hospitals and education, to environmental, youth and social service organizations. His work included successful multi-million dollar capital campaigns, long-range plans, executive search, development studies, board development, annual campaigns, and major gift programs. More than 25 of those years were spent with clients in Silicon Valley and across the Greater Bay Area Region.

Chaud led the feasibility study and capital campaign for the Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation’s memorial in Los Gatos, California, from 2016-19. He has continued to provide pro bono counsel to the foundation up to the current time.

Prior to joining NETZEL GRIGSBY ASSOCIATES, Chaud spent more than a decade of successful nonprofit management and development experience. During a 13-year career with the YMCA, he served in numerous positions including program director, branch executive, and president/CEO.

Chaud served as a rifleman in the 11th Armored Cavalry, Regiment, 2nd Squadron, on a tour in Vietnam from 1971/72, after completing Basic and Advance Infantry training at Ft. Ord, Califonia. Chaud graduated from Utah State University and completed graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He and his wife of 54 years, Ardis, live in Pleasant Hill, California. They have three children and four grandchildren.

Chaud currently serves on an advisory board in the George W. Romney Institute of Public Management in the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University, and as a board member of the YMCA of the East Bay in Oakland California.