Meet Buddy
Buddy Teaster is the President and CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit turning shoes and clothing into opportunities for people in need. A passionate leader and advocate, Buddy has guided the organization to distribute over 103 million pairs of shoes and garments across 137 countries, supporting communities through both immediate aid and sustainable micro-enterprise programs.
A dynamic thought leader, speaker, and author of Shoestrings: How Your Donated Shoes and Clothes Help People Pull Themselves Out of Poverty, Buddy has been recognized as a YPO Global Impact Award Finalist and included in Footwear News’ 2019 Power List. His innovative approach has transformed Soles4Souls into a movement that blends philanthropy with sustainable development, earning the organization recognition as one of The Nonprofit Times’ “Best Nonprofits to Work For” three years in a row.
In his free time, Buddy enjoys endurance sports, storytelling, and spending time with his family.
