Renee’s connection to DePaul Community Resources is deeply rooted in service. Prior to joining the organization professionally, she served as a foster parent, gaining firsthand insight into DePaul’s mission of hope and belonging. In 2016, she became Vice President of Child and Family Services. During her six year tenure, Renee advanced innovative service delivery models and fostered collaborative leadership across divisions, resulting in increased program effectiveness and cross-system success. In November 2022, she was promoted to President and CEO, where she continues to champion organizational growth, strengthen community partnerships, and elevate program quality in support of individuals, families, and communities. 

A core focus of Renee’s advocacy has been expanding and strengthening kinship care in Virginia. She has worked to increase access to financial support for kinship caregivers and is especially proud to be one of the advocates who helped advance a legislative change waiving certain barrier crime limitations for kinship foster parents. Renee’s leadership in this space reflects her belief that families should be assessed holistically and that children are best served when safe connections to their family and community can be preserved. 

A trusted voice in child welfare policy and systems reform, she serves as vice chair on the FFTA Board and on the Project Discovery Board, which supports first-generation college-bound students across Virginia. She was also invited by the Virginia Office of the Children’s Ombudsman to participate in a statewide Child and Relief of Custody Legislative Work Group, further demonstrating her influence in shaping childcentered policy. Through every role she holds, Renee continues to open doors to hope and belonging while advancing a more just, compassionate, and family-centered child welfare system nationwide.