ODW Announces Eugene Cho as President

Seattle, WA – The Board of Directors of One Day’s Wages is delighted to announce that Pastor Eugene Cho, co-founder of ODW, will be returning to serve as President, effective November 2026.

Alongside his wife, Minhee, Eugene co-founded One Day’s Wages with a simple but compelling conviction: ordinary people, working together, can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of people experiencing extreme poverty and injustice. What began as a grassroots movement has grown into a global community of people, churches, and partners committed to creating a more just and equitable world.

Although Eugene and Minhee stepped away from formal board leadership a few years ago, they have remained deeply connected to ODW and its mission. We are grateful that they are now stepping into a more intentional leadership role as we look toward the organization’s future.

As Board Chair Andy Mar shared:

“We’re looking forward to the leadership and perspective Eugene and Minhee bring as founders. We are excited to welcome them back to the organization as we launch the next chapter of our journey.”

A New Chapter, An Honest Assessment

Like many organizations, One Day’s Wages has experienced both meaningful progress and significant challenges in recent years. There have been important accomplishments, dedicated partnerships, and lives impacted through the generosity of this community. Like many small nonprofits, ODW has also navigated changes in the philanthropic landscape, evolving fundraising realities, and questions about long-term organizational sustainability. These experiences offer an opportunity to reflect on what has been built and consider how ODW can position itself for a strong and sustainable future.

We also recognize that this next chapter cannot be built by one person or a small staff alone. It will require the commitment of our board, team, donors, partners, and the broader community that has made ODW what it is. We need to meet this moment together.

Eugene’s Role and Leadership

As President, Eugene will provide strategic leadership and focus particularly on strengthening ODW’s fundraising; leading external communications and public engagement; and working with the board and staff to shape the organization’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Eugene will serve in a flexible, part-time leadership capacity. This arrangement allows him to lead ODW while continuing his independent work through public speaking, encouraging pastors and leaders, and consulting. We believe these complementary commitments will create additional opportunities to expand ODW’s visibility, relationships, and impact.

We are also grateful that Daphne Fowler will continue her leadership as Interim Executive Director. ODW has a small but capable and committed team, and we deeply appreciate their dedication and the important work they continue to carry forward. Eugene will work closely with Daphne, the staff, and the board to strengthen the organization and help position ODW for its next chapter.

A Message from Eugene

“Minhee and I are grateful for the opportunity to take a much more intentional and strategic role in the organization we helped establish. While we’ve always been here in spirit and remain deeply committed to ODW, I’m honored to step into the role of President and help lead this next chapter.

The world has changed considerably since we founded One Day’s Wages. In recent years, humanitarian assistance and international development have experienced massive cuts and reductions. These changes have been particularly devastating for smaller, community-based organizations led by local leaders. In fact, only a small fraction of international development funding – estimated at just 1.2% by one source – goes directly to local organizations.

This is precisely why and where I believe One Day’s Wages has an important role to play.

At our heart, ODW has always been about more than raising money. It has been about people, dignity, relationships, and the conviction that we can make a difference when we work together. We believe those closest to the challenges are often closest to the solutions. Our role is to help resource, amplify, and stand alongside local leaders and organizations who are doing extraordinary work in their own communities.

But this next chapter will require all of us.

To our donors, supporters, churches, and friends: This is an important time to step up. If ODW has been meaningful to you over the years, I hope you will consider renewing your commitment. If you have supported us in the past, consider reconnecting. If you are able to give more generously, consider making a larger or multi-year commitment. And if you are new to ODW, we invite you to become part of this community.

Minhee and I are deeply grateful to everyone who has believed in this vision, given generously, volunteered, prayed, and walked alongside us over the years. We wouldn’t be here without you.

Let’s keep going. There’s still so much work to do, and so much good we can accomplish together.”

Questions and media inquiries may be directed to office@onedayswages.org.

Click here to download the full press release.