Volunteers of America North Louisiana, a faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the most vulnerable reach their full potential, welcomes a new leader. After an extensive regional search, the Board of Directors has selected Carolyn Hammond as President and Chief Executive Officer.
Jerry Edwards, president and CEO search committee chair and former board of director’s chair, shared, “Carolyn’s experience in program development and staff leadership made her an excellent choice.”
As President and CEO, Hammond will oversee one of the largest providers of human services in our area. The organization comprised of 375 full-time and part-time employees serves approximately 6,500 men, women, and children annually. Volunteers of America North Louisiana provides an array of programs to change the lives of those in need, including formerly homeless veterans, children and families living in poverty, individuals with disabilities, low-income seniors, and those in need of safe, affordable housing.
“Carolyn has a wide variety of executive leadership and program management – ranging from children and family services, homeless outreach, and housing – that will continue to serve our community and organization very well. We are thrilled to have her lead Volunteers of America North Louisiana,” shared Robert Dean, current board of director’s chair and managing partner at Heard, McElroy, & Vestal, LLC.
Hammond’s career with Volunteers of America begin in the Northeast Division Office over 12 years ago. Before becoming the Vice President of Children and Families in 2021, Carolyn served as the Division Director for eight years. While serving in this capacity, Hammond led the restructure of staff and expansion of the LightHouse Afterschool Program, as well as managing the implementation and expansion of Communities In Schools (CIS) serving as the lead for the process that led Volunteers of America to be their first licensed partner in the United States. In addition, Hammond plays a key role in Choice Neighborhood, which is collaborative effort led by the City of Shreveport to revitalize the Allendale, Ledbetter Heights and West Edge Neighborhoods and create a safe, thriving and mixed-income community. Volunteers of America North Louisiana is the lead agency for all supportive services.
Hammond’s service goes beyond her contributions she has made to Volunteers of America. Prior to joining the organization, she was heavily involved in low-income and affordable housing. She served as the first Community Services Coordinator in the Housing Authority of Bossier City where she developed and implemented programs for residents living in public housing. There, she created the Family and Community Services Department and served as the Director for over five years.
Hammond earned her Masters and Bachelor’s degrees from Louisiana Tech University. She and her husband, Erik, are active members of our community and have one daughter, Lauren.