Alvah Chapman, Who Helped Form CADCA, Dies

Former Knight Ridder Corp. chairman Alvah Chapman, who helped found and fund Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) in the early 1990s, died of pneumonia on Christmas Day at age 87, Reuters reported Dec. 26.

Chapman had a long and distinguished career as president and CEO of the Miami Herald but was also known for his support of philanthropic causes. He also spearheaded the campaign to revitalize and rebuild South Florida after Hurricane Andrew devastated the region in 1992.

Chapman served as CADCA’s first chairman upon the group’s founding in October 1992, and remained on the CADCA board of directors until his death.

“Alvah was someone who truly cared about the well-being of our nation’s youth, families and communities. He understood the power that local citizens have when they can come together to fight substance abuse,” said Gen. Arthur Dean, president and CEO of CADCA. “We will miss his mentorship, guidance and dedication.”