Terry Efird

20 Years of Financial Stewardship

After 20 years of diligent service to Charlotte Christian School, Chief Financial Officer Terry Efird retired in December 2023. His expert and unwavering leadership led the school to unprecedented financial growth and sustainability. Behind the scenes, Mr. Efird assured that the school remained focused on God’s calling but also that we were faithful and wise stewards of the many blessings He has given us as a school community.

The Early Years

Mr. Lew Semones was chairman of the finance committee in 2003 and saw an opportunity for the school when he learned about Terry Efird’s retirement from Bank of America after a 26 year career. Mr. Efird was currently serving on the CCS finance committee and agreed to come on board and lead Charlotte Christian’s business office and help during a pivotal time in the school’s history. “In a world often characterized by the pursuit of power and prestige, Terry’s ‘second career’ is what we should all aspire to,” shared Mr. Semones. “It was marked by humility, selflessness, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of future Christian leaders. He showed us that true leadership is not about how high we climb, but about how many we lift up with us.”

The Transition Years

Mrs. Shannon Edwards was hired as Charlotte Christian’s first human resources director in 2008 and worked closely with Mr. Efird. As a team they weathered the 2008 financial challenge, the resignation of a head of school, a year-long head of school search, and Mr. Efird served as interim head of school (200910). “Once I started, we immediately hit it off and were a tag team for the next 11 years. I brought a little gray to his black and white approach and he instilled in me the importance of financial stewardship and modeled true servant leadership. If you were not fortunate to work with him on a daily basis, you would have no idea how compassionate, empathetic, and funny he was. During his time as interim head of school, it was such a gift for the school to see him in this new role and to see how much he cared about CCS.”

The Building Years

As the chief financial officer, Mr. Efird oversaw the facilities team and safety and security in addition to the business office. He served as Charlotte Christian’s lead manager working with Rodgers Builders over the past decade on seven distinct projects totaling $40 million. “Terry’s dedication and diligence have been the cornerstone of Rodgers’ successes on this campus, and his absence will be profoundly felt,” shared Mr. Will Myers, vice president of construction operations with Rodgers Builders. “His leadership style, blending compassion and professionalism, has set an unmatched standard. Reflecting on the past decade, it’s evident that Terry’s influence at Rodgers extends beyond the projects we’ve undertaken together.”

The Last Decade

Head of School Barry Giller and Mr. Efird worked together for 13.5 years and together they have achieved great success for Charlotte Christian. Mr. Efird was recognized by the Charlotte Business Journal in 2017 as the Charlotte Area Non-Profit CFO of the Year. But it wasn’t his success as a spreadsheet master or brilliant strategist that he sought after but rather fulfilling the mission behind the scenes. “He is a prayer warrior who spends countless hours working on how the school can be better positioned to further its impact on students’ lives. Though his days were filled with meetings and spreadsheets, Mr. Efird never lost sight of the school’s vital mission. His desire for every student to have a wonderful experience while a Knight and that they grow to know and love the Lord Jesus,” shared Head of School Barry Giller. “The story of Charlotte Christian would be incomplete if Mr. Efird and his dedication, commitment and passion were not included. We are grateful for his faithful service and commitment to excellence in Christian education.”