Charles F. “Charlie” MacCormack, an internationally respected humanitarian, educator, and global development leader, died peacefully on May 22, 2025. He was 83.

Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1941, to Charles MacCormack and Dorothy Baker, Charlie’s life was marked by a deep commitment to service, visionary leadership, and a relentless belief in the power of global citizenship.

Charlie served as President and CEO of Save the Children U.S. from 1993 to 2011, leading the organization through unprecedented growth in impact, scale, and global influence. Under his leadership, Save the Children’s programs reached over 50 countries, and he was instrumental in the creation of Save the Children International, forging a unified global movement for children’s rights and well-being.

Prior to this, he led World Learning and the School for International Training (SIT) in Brattleboro, Vermont, for 16 years, expanding its global education, development, and exchange programs. While there, he also served as Chair of the International Exchange Association, the national membership body for America’s leading citizen exchange organizations.

Charlie's earlier professional journey was equally distinguished. He was a research fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution, assistant to the Dean of the International Fellows Program at Columbia University, and an instructor of Latin American politics at the University of New Hampshire Summer School.

Charlie held leadership roles across many of the world’s foremost humanitarian and development bodies. He served as Chair of InterAction—the largest alliance of U.S.-based international NGOs—from 2006 to 2009, and later joined the boards of World Learning and Malaria No More, where he was a founding board member. He also sat on the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid and the Food Security Advisory Committee of the U.S. Government, and served as President of the Non-Governmental Committee on UNICEF.

In recognition of his global expertise, Charlie was selected by the United Nations Secretary-General to serve on the founding committee of the United Nations University. He represented the United States as a delegate to the 1997 World Food Summit and the 2002 UN General Assembly Special Session on Children.

Charlie earned his bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and both a master’s and Ph.D. in political science from Columbia University. He was a Fulbright Fellow at the Universidad Central de Venezuela and a National Science Foundation Fellow at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

In honor of his contributions to global education and policy, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education from Middlebury College and an honorary Doctor of Law from Clark University as well as an honorary Doctor of Laws from Fairfield University. He was also a long-standing member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

At the heart of Charlie’s life, however, was his deep love for family. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Susan M. Ross, a passionate leader in philanthropy and former President and CEO of the Fairfield County Foundation. He is survived by his sister, Jean Degnon, and her daughter Rebecca, as well as his two devoted sons, Cameron Ross-MacCormack (Colette Urbano) and Fraser Ross-MacCormack (Maureen Arscott), and his four cherished grandchildren, Harper, Desmond, Macaulay and Dawson who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, curiosity, and courage.

Charlie lived for many years in Easton, Connecticut, where he and Susan built a home filled with books, music, and fires in the fireplace. He will be remembered not only for his inspirational intellect and tireless service to humanity, but also for his kindness, humility, and the twinkle in his eye.

A public celebration of his life to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Save the Children in Charlie’s honor.

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