After 34 years of exceptional service to MCD Global Health, Dr. Christopher Schwabe has announced his retirement as CEO and president, effective July 1, 2025.

"On behalf of the entire Board and the MCD team, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to Chris for his unwavering leadership and dedication to the mission of MCD," said Tim Allen, chair of MCD’s Board of Directors. "Chris’s vision and guidance have been integral in shaping MCD into the organization it is today."

Throughout his tenure, MCD expanded its global reach, and Dr. Schwabe spearheaded numerous achievements. Among them was an increase in U.S. and international business development efforts; the successful implementation of a more than 20-year, award-winning, public-private partnership with governmental and corporate partners to support a malaria reduction program in Equatorial Guinea; and more than 10-year telehealth initiative through which MCD has supported an expansion of telehealth services for rural communities throughout the Northeast of the U.S.

Additionally, MCD implemented malaria prevention and control efforts in nearly 20 sub-Saharan African countries, leading HIV/AIDS care with the military in Gabon, and establishing vital rural health programs. This includes initiatives in the Northeast U.S. to improve behavioral health, access to health services, and strengthen the public health workforce, including community health workers and others through innovative e-learning tools.

Dr. Schwabe also played a pivotal role in navigating the company through COVID-19, strengthening corporate policies and support services across finance, human resources, operations, communications, and internal audit and risk management. His leadership furthered MCD's commitment to knowledge-sharing, resulting in more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters over the past seven years, helping to advance global health research and best practices.

MCD’s success with its numerous, worldwide programs and projects is made possible thanks to diverse funders and partners, including USAID; the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative; U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program; UNICEF; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria; the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration; the state of Maine; and several long-term corporate partners, including Marathon Oil (a ConocoPhillips company) and Chevron; among others.

"In my time at MCD, I have witnessed firsthand many remarkable changes and growth within the organization, and the substantial impact we’ve had with our partners in helping to improve the health and well-being of people at local, national, and global levels," said Dr. Schwabe. "I am deeply proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and I am immensely grateful to my colleagues for their dedication, passion, and support."

As MCD moves forward, the priorities outlined in the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, developed under Dr. Schwabe’s leadership, will continue to guide the organization’s direction.

"As we prepare for this transition, the Board of Directors is fully committed to ensuring a smooth process and the continued success of MCD," remarked Allen. "We will conduct a comprehensive search for a new CEO, and we are confident that we will find a leader who will build on the strong foundation Chris has established and guide MCD into its next phase of growth and impact."

Recruitment for a new CEO and president will begin immediately.