Annie Malone Children and Family Services CEO Keisha Lee is bringing an 11-year chapter with the organization to a close. Lee announced Thursday that she will leave her position at the end of the year.
“I feel like my assignment here was a success,” Lee said in a statement. “I remain deeply proud of the organization’s history and the progress we’ve made during my tenure, but most importantly, the children and families whose lives we’ve touched.”
Lee said she notified Annie Malone’s board of directors in August. She will remain in the role through Dec. 31.
During Lee’s tenure, Annie Malone weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing demand for services and ongoing funding pressures. All the while, the organization, one of the region’s oldest child-serving institutions, continued to serve children and families throughout the region.
Lee joined Annie Malone’s board in 2015 before becoming chief operating officer in 2019. She went on to become CEO in 2022.
She led the organization through some of its biggest challenges. That included responding to the aftermath of the devastating May 16, 2025, tornado, which struck while Lee and members of her team were inside Annie Malone’s headquarters. They were preparing for their annual May Day Parade, a St. Louis Black cultural staple for more than a century.
“God kept me,” Lee told The St. Louis American earlier this year while reflecting on the experience. “But this is a heavy lift.”
Even as the organization dealt with damage of its own, Annie Malone shifted resources into community relief efforts. Funds and attention that would have gone toward the parade were redirected to families impacted by the storm.
Alongside community partners, Annie Malone helped coordinate the distribution of two semi-truckloads of essential supplies.
“I have always believed leadership requires more than making decisions from behind a desk,” Lee said. “It means showing up, building relationships, and making sure the people you serve have access to opportunities and resources that can change their lives.”
The organization expanded access to immunizations, school physicals and dental services while growing youth workforce development programs and extended-day summer opportunities for working families.
During Lee’s tenure, Annie Malone also secured accreditation through 2030, maintained clean financial audits and expanded partnerships across the nonprofit, healthcare, government and philanthropic sectors.
In a statement, Annie Malone’s Board of Directors thanked Lee for her leadership and service.
“Her commitment to strengthening Annie Malone’s operations, expanding community partnerships, and advancing our mission has made a meaningful impact,” the board said.
Lee said she isn’t stepping away from the work altogether.
She said she plans to focus on consulting and leadership development, helping organizations strengthen operations, develop future leaders and expand their community impact.
“After 11 years of service, I am incredibly proud of the transformation, growth and lasting impact achieved under my leadership,” Lee said. “My commitment to making a difference isn’t ending. It’s expanding.”