November 21, 2022 — After an extensive search process that included candidates from across the nation, DePaul Community Resources is pleased to announce that Renee Brown has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer.
“Renee brings to the role her well-rounded experience in service fields and executive leadership, her enthusiasm for problem-solving and creativity, and her growth mindset,” said Beverly Binner, chair of the DePaul Board of Directors.
Renee received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and her master’s degree in Clinical Child Psychology from Virginia Tech. She started her career as a case manager for the intellectual and developmental disabilities population at the local Community Services Board (CSB). While working, she obtained her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) certifications and was promoted to her first supervisory position in 2000. While in this position, Renee discovered her passion for program development and leadership. She continued to work at the CSB managing programs that supported individuals with mental health needs and/or developmental disabilities until she came to DePaul in January of 2017. Renee was already familiar with DePaul’s mission of hope and belonging as she was previously a foster parent for the organization. For almost six years, Renee has been the Vice President of Child and Family Services overseeing the Foster Care, Independent Living, Adoption, and Community-Based programs. During her time at DePaul, her restructuring of the CFS Leadership Team allowed for the expansion of the Independent Living program and the reimagining of pre-service training for prospective foster parents. Renee’s collaborative style was instrumental in increased cross-divisional and cross-program successes.
Renee values community partnerships and is a member of the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Community Policy and Management Teams (CPMT). Renee is also on the Family Focused Treatment Association Board, a national organization that provides support to agencies in the child welfare system, as well as the Project Discovery Board, a program that provides support to first generation college-bound students across Virginia.
“Being a part of an organization like DePaul, whose mission is critical in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens, is an honor and a responsibility that I will hold with the respect and integrity it deserves,” said Renee Brown, DePaul Community Resources, newly appointed CEO. “I am honored to continue our work with an incredibly talented leadership team and dedicated staff who strive every day to make this world a better place. Having the opportunity to lead such an amazing organization and do the important work of opening doors to hope and belonging for the children, individuals, and families we serve means the world to me.”