Charleston Software Giant Blackbaud Names Interim Leader as CEO Steps Down Early

Blackbaud Inc.'s chief executive officer is leaving earlier than expected, prompting the board of the Charleston region's biggest software company to name an interim leader on Monday.

Daniel Island-based company said finance chief Anthony Boor will replace Marc Chardon as president and CEO on a temporary basis effective Aug. 31, when Chardon steps down

Boor will run the publicly traded company until a permanent top executive is found. He will also maintain his responsibilities as chief financial officer of Blackbaud, which designs software specifically for nonprofit organizations.

"As we develop our plans for 2014 and beyond, now is the right time to name Tony as Blackbaud's president and CEO on an interim basis," chairman Andrew Leitch said in a statement. "The company is executing well and Tony has a deep understanding of our business, product portfolio and strategic priorities.

"He has helped set the overall strategy for the company, and under his leadership we have delivered solid financial results, enhanced operational efficiencies and positioned the company for improved long-term revenue growth," Leitch continued. "We are confident that Tony is the ideal candidate to continue Blackbaud's positive momentum during this transition period."

Chardon joined the company as CEO in late 2005. He announced in January he would step down by end of the 2013 or earlier if a successor was found.

"I came here for five years. I've stayed for between seven and eight," he told the Post and Courier after his resignation announcement, "The board believed we needed somebody to sign up for a significant period of time going forward. The company has changed enough, and my desire to stay has changed enough, so the combination of all of that means it's time to find somebody new."

The company did not explain why Chardon is leaving before his replacement is hired.

Leitch said the board is "appreciative of Marc Chardon's outstanding leadership and contributions over the last seven years and his efforts to ensure the leadership succession at Blackbaud is successful. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

He also said that Blackbaud's directors remain "focused on completing our search for our permanent CEO."

"We are pleased with the high quality of candidates being considered for the role and will continue to work diligently on this effort," he said. "Having a proven leader of Tony's caliber to step into the role of interim president and CEO allows us the time required to identify the best candidate to lead Blackbaud's next phase of growth."

Boor, 50, joined the company as senior vice president and chief financial officer in November 2011.