CHRISTIAN CENTRAL ACADEMY
Pre-K-12 Private College-Preparatory School39 Academy Street Williamsville, NY 14221
Daniel Stumpf
From a transformative high school experience at Christian Central Academy to leading a top national homebuilding division in Nashville, Dan Stumpf’s journey is one marked by faith, courage, and deep gratitude for the foundation that helped shape his future.
Dan graduated from CCA in 1990 with what he describes as “lifetime friends” and a heart full of memories. But before finding his place at CCA, Dan had been navigating the challenges of a large public school, feeling somewhat lost in the crowd. The transition to CCA changed everything. “Coming to CCA with smaller class sizes and teachers that knew me personally helped me to thrive and start living out my academic potential,” he says. “In this environment, I gained the confidence to speak up, share my thoughts, try new things, and generally gain more confidence in all that I did.”
He carried that confidence with him to Canisius College, where he earned his undergraduate degree in Finance and Economics. He later completed his MBA at the University at Buffalo. A defining moment of his college years came during a ski trip in his junior year—that’s where he met Donna, the woman who would become his wife. The two recently celebrated 27 years of marriage and are proud parents to four boys: Andrew, Ian, Matthew, and Michael.
In 2002, Dan and his family made the decision to leave Buffalo and pursue an opportunity in the homebuilding industry in the Washington, D.C. area. “With the encouragement of my wife and the confidence instilled in me that God will direct my path, I took the jump,” he recalls. “That move changed my life and that of our family, dramatically.”
Today, Dan and his family live in Nashville, where he has served for the past seven years as Division President for Beazer Homes, one of the nation’s top homebuilders. He also serves on the board for Habitat for Humanity, a role that allows him to help others achieve the dream of homeownership.
Dan looks back on his years at CCA with deep appreciation. “CCA holds such a special place in my heart for teachers who really cared,” he says, naming Kevin McNamara, Dianne Dawley, Ruth Adams, and Kate Franklin as a few of the faculty who left a lasting mark. “Kate Franklin always challenged us with vocabulary tests, and to this day, whenever I’ve taken an employment test—my vocabulary is off the charts versus others in my field.”
His favorite student memories include ski club bus rides, soccer games, laughter-filled afternoons with friends, and even starting the school newspaper. “There are really too many special and memorable moments to possibly write them all down,” he says.
Dan’s life has been shaped by faith, and it continues to guide both his personal and professional journey.
“My faith is the back-stop to all that I am,” he shares. “Every decision is prayed about. My family prays together. We talk through God’s plan for our lives, and each time something does not go the way we anticipated, we trust that He will show us the way.” His commitment to Christ extends into his leadership at work. “I live by the same principles—glorify God in all things and strive always to do the right thing by our customers, business partners, and employees.”
To today’s students and graduates, Dan offers a message of courage and trust:
“It will be scary at times, but it is true that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord. You are only scared before you do something—take that leap, and you will be glad you did.”
Though he no longer lives in Buffalo, Dan still keeps in touch with many of his CCA classmates, whose friendships continue to enrich his life. His journey is a powerful reminder of what can happen when students are given the tools to believe in themselves, trust God’s plan, and follow Him boldly into the future.
Christian Central Academy is honored to be a part of Dan Stumpf’s story.