Edgewood Children’s Ranch names new executive director

Edgewood Children’s Ranch announced Jeff Fitzgerald as its new executive director.

A Central Florida resident for 27 years, Fitzgerald brings more than two decades of ministry and community leadership experience to the Edgewood's Christ-centered residential program, on-campus school and family services for boys and girls ages 10 to 17.

Fitzgerald has served in ministry for more than 20 years, including seven years in full-time pastoral leadership, most recently at Crossroads Impact Church in Horizon West.

“I believe the most effective leader is a relational leader, someone who truly knows people’s stories and their ‘why,’” Fitzgerald said. “My heart is to continue building a culture of integrity, excellence, and character at Edgewood while partnering with families, churches, and community organizations to expand our impact.”

Rooted in his Christian faith, Fitzgerald describes himself as “a lover of Jesus” who is committed to building God’s kingdom through practical service and compassionate leadership. He and his wife of 25 years, Crystal, have two children, Josiah, 19, and Eden, 15.

Fitzgerald has cultivated relationships across the region with ministries and nonprofits that serve vulnerable children and families, including New Beginnings (Clermont), Eight Waves, Commission 127, Nathaniel’s Hope, Mercy Drive Ministries, Broken Wings and Choices Women’s Clinic, as well as local church leaders and business owners. 

He also has partnered on community events, including serving as a keynote speaker at a youth football camp hosted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White.

“At Edgewood, our mission is to provide hope, healing, and a path forward for children while keeping families together,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m honored to serve this community and help students grow emotionally, academically, and spiritually in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Fitzgerald take over for outgoing Executive Director Bruce Jordan, who has led Edgewood since February 2020.

“Serving as the executive director of Edgewood Children’s Ranch for the past five-and-a-half years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Jordan said. “When I stepped into this role in February 2020, it was in the shadow of deep loss after the passing of our beloved Executive Director Stuart Eldridge. Only weeks later, our world was shaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, and like so many, we faced uncertainty and challenge unlike anything we had known before.

“Through those early storms, I witnessed the unwavering faith, resilience and generosity of this community,” he said. “Together, we worked to keep our mission alive, growing our budget, updating our facilities, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that every child entrusted to us could heal, learn and thrive. Today, I can say with great joy that Edgewood Children’s Ranch is as strong, healthy, and stable as it has ever been.”

Over the next few months, Jordan will work with Fitzgerald to make the transition as seamless as possible.

“I believe, without question, that God has called him here for this moment and that the best days for Edgewood are still ahead,” Jordan said.