Les Johnson, a vice president at Area Resources for Community and Human Service, has been selected to lead the nonprofit that supports human service agencies as its president and CEO, effective Oct. 1.
Johnson currently is vice president for grant initiatives at ARCHS, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of families and children in St. Louis communities that have limited resources. In his new position, Johnson said he wants to ensure residents “have an opportunity to leverage the resources that are made available through the funding investments ARCHS makes through the partners we support by providing grant dollars.”
“ARCHS has had a twenty-year run of unprecedented growth,” Johnson said. “That growth represents the ability to deliver vital individual and family resources to the most vulnerable populations in Metro St. Louis. My vision, integrity and collaborative spirit will continue to elevate ARCHS’ mission and impact across the St. Louis region.”
Jacquline Wellington, who has served on ARCHS’ board of directors for 15 years and is interim chair, said she’s confident in Johnson’s ability to lead the organization. He was chosen from among 400 applicants who applied for the position, according to ARCHS.
“I’ve always found Les to be very professional, knowledgeable and committed to the mission of ARCHS,” Wellington said. “He has always worked very diligently to support all of the partner organizations, as well as interface with the leadership of the organization. I anticipate that he will be an excellent new CEO for ARCHS.”
In addition to helping guide ARCHS through an operational and cultural shift, Johnson has led initiatives totaling more than $200 million, addressing community and workforce development, food insecurity, housing and local justice issues.
Johnson holds a master’s degree in social work, with a focus on nonprofit management and social and economic development, as well as a graduate certificate in urban family and community development from Washington University’s Brown School of Social Work. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Culver-Stockton College.
“The St. Louis region has always been very supportive of ARCHS, and we hope to be able to continue that relationship for the sole purpose of expanding the number of services we can bring to the community,” Johnson said.
He succeeds Wendell E. Kimbrough, who is retiring in September after leading the organization for more than two decades.
Wendy Todd is a member of Report for America, which supports local journalists who report on under-covered issues and communities.