Founder/President of Transforming Christian Ministries
After many years as the founder and President of Transforming Christian Ministries, Michael Vilardo joined the Horizons team merging his firm with Horizons. (See press release here).
For more than 30 years Michael has worked as a pastor and development professional. As a pastor in the United Methodist Church, Michael led one congregation to more than quadruple its membership and ministry. Completing a doctoral thesis, "Connecting Church and Community," Michael developed expertise in uniting the purposes of churches and nonprofits with the needs of their community. In addition to pastoral experience, Michael honed strategic planning and analytic skills as Vice President for Fund Development and Community Relations for a Christian retirement community. He also led capital campaigns for the expansion of program facilities and was involved with the leadership team that purchased land for an additional retirement community. Building on his extensive ministry and consulting experiences, he created and launched his own consulting firm. Michael worked with churches and other organizations to strengthen their impact by assisting them as they envision, plan, and resource their ministries.
Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. It was while working on his Doctorate and serving as the pastor of a growing church that Michael was often asked for counsel and guidance in church revitalization and growth. The many consulting requests at this time led him to join RSI where he could use his knowledge and experience in a broader ministry with churches and other faith organizations. At RSI Michael led campaigns raising more than $300 million. Michael is sought after for his strong communication and administrative skills.
Michael and his wife, Marcie, reside in Cincinnati, Ohio. They have three children and six grandchildren who all live near them. Frequent meals together with all of their family remind them of how blessed they are to have family close. When they are not spoiling their grandchildren, Michael and Marcie enjoy movies, entertaining family, and teaching their Sunday School Class together.