NEW ORLEANS – The Board of Directors of Covenant House New Orleans is thrilled to announce that Rheneisha Robertson has accepted an invitation to serve as the organization’s new Executive Director. Rheneisha will succeed Covenant House founder Jim Kelly, who returned to lead the agency in 2011.

Rheneisha is a passionate advocate and demonstrated public health professional with over 20 years’ experience in Nonprofit Leadership and Community Public Health. Her extensive resume reflects a successful career and dedication to positive youth development and adolescent & women’s health. Throughout her career she has worked to improve the overall health outcomes and quality of life of marginalized communities, with a particular interest and focus on women, youth, and communities of color.

Tod Smith, Covenant House board member and chair of the search committee, shared the board’s excitement: “We are so honored to welcome Rheneisha to the Covenant House family. She will be a tireless champion for our brave youth overcoming homelessness.” Incoming board chair Deidre Hayes agreed: “Rheneisha’s impressive qualifications, warm spirit, and passionate advocacy make her the perfect choice to lead the way in this promising new chapter for Covenant House and our young people.” 

Rheneisha has spent the last 15 years with the Institute of Women and Ethnic Studies, a national nonprofit health organization domiciled in New Orleans. Her various leadership roles at IWES have included Chief Programs Officer and Chief Operations Officer. She considers herself a servant leader and has been actively engaged in the New Orleans community, including past service on the boards of Girls on the Run NOLA, the Greater New Orleans Breastfeeding Advocacy Coalition, and Emerge LA. She currently serves on the board of Iggie’s House – A Nia Robertson Foundation, and the New Orleans Metro Stars. Rheneisha is also a past member of Off the Field Players’ Wives Association, a national association comprised of wives of active and retired professional football players.

Rheneisha earned a master’s degree from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and a bachelor’s from Xavier University of Louisiana. She is a graduate of the Brian Bell Metropolitan Leadership Forum and the Rockwood Leadership Institute’s Art of Leadership program. She is a proud native of New Orleans, wife, and mother of two teenagers. “I am both honored and excited to join the Covenant House family and serve as its next Executive Director,” Rheneisha shared. “I look forward to building upon a solid foundation as we work together to meet the challenges faced by our young people.”