It is with great pleasure that I announce, on behalf of SPO’s National Board of Directors, the appointment of David Fischer as the new President of SPO. David will be succeeding Gordy DeMarais, SPO’s founder and President since 1985.

David has served as SPO’s Vice President for Advancement from 2015 through 2020 and was appointed Executive Vice President from 2021 to date. During his tenure David engineered and led the most successful fundraising Campaign in SPO’s history, Faith Alive. As a proven executive and SPO alum, we are confident that David’s leadership and deep conviction for the mission will continue to propel SPO into the future.

Join us in welcoming David into his new role!

We would also like to express our deep gratitude for Gordy’s leadership over these past 37 years. He has been a groundbreaking pioneer in Catholic campus ministry for four decades and is a trusted teacher, leader, and voice for the New Evangelization. Gordy will be taking a brief sabbatical before returning to SPO where he will help support David and the entire mission in this new and exciting chapter in SPO’s history. 

Please keep David and all of SPO in your prayers during this time of transition.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda

Chair of SPO’s National Board of Directors
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis