January 30, 2020: An Important Message from Our Board Chair, Charles Beasley
Dear Friends,
It is with much sadness and tremendous gratitude that the Board of Directors announces Jim Kelly’s departure, this June, as Executive Director of Covenant House.
We know that Jim and his wife Ginny arrived at this decision after considerable thought and prayer. We are excited he will remain in the Covenant House family, residing in New Orleans while playing a leading role in Covenant House International’s advocacy efforts.
How incredibly fortunate we are to have had Jim’s service not once, but twice. He and Ginny started Covenant House New Orleans as newlyweds in 1986, and later returned to lead and revitalize the organization in 2011. Every day of his 30-plus-year career, Jim has brought an unwavering passion, a steadfast loyalty, and a fervent determination to his work, all while rooted in a deep and abiding faith.
Jim is leaving the organization in excellent health. We’re having more success than ever with our youth and children. Thanks to our incredible benefactors and grantors, we are sound financially. We are blessed with a stellar management team and a dedicated and gifted staff.
Over the next few months, we will be conducting a nationwide search to find a new Executive Director for Covenant House. We also look forward to celebrating Jim’s many accomplishments and achievements and the profound impact his unconditional love has had on so many of our community’s most vulnerable youth.
Please join me in offering the warmest congratulations and prayers for Jim and Ginny as they prepare for their new chapter in ministry.
Sincerely,
Charles Beasley
Board Chair
Jim with Mayor Sidney Barthelemy and Archbishop Philip Hannan at the groundbreaking of Covenant House, December 1987.
