Meet Our Team

Steve Lenahan is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the fields of education and nonprofit management. Throughout his career, he has held several leadership positions in various organizations, demonstrating his expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, budget management, staff supervision, grant writing, and program development. One notable role was Development Director at the International High School of New Orleans, where he oversaw the strategic plan for fundraising efforts. He successfully implemented various initiatives, including capital campaigns, annual funds, major gifts, planned giving, individual giving, corporate fundraising, community fundraising, fundraising events, and grant planning. Steve's efforts in securing funding from local and national foundations, corporations, and government agencies significantly impacted the educational achievement of students at the school. He also served on the Executive Team, contributing to the establishment and evaluation of charter management goals and objectives. As the Executive Director of People Program Inc., Steve supervised all staff and established the strategic direction for the organization. He worked closely with the board of directors to establish committees in finance, human resources, marketing, and more to meet program goals and objectives. Steve fostered a collaborative leadership style, recognizing and utilizing the expertise, skills, and gifts of others. He was responsible for fundraising efforts, including donor development, special events, researching grant opportunities, and writing grant applications and reports.

Additionally, Steve managed the fiscal aspects of the program, working with the Finance Committee to develop the annual budget and present financial reports to the board. His role was essential to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified staff and building partnerships with other organizations to promote the People Program in the communities it served. As the Executive Director at BCFS Education Services, Steve provided leadership and guidance to a large team, including both staff and contract personnel. He led the operations of a high-quality Head Start program serving 1,814 children and families through multiple federal contracts. Steve developed and managed a substantial budget of $25,000,000 in federal and state funds. He also provided training to the Board of Directors and Policy Council and ensured the timely delivery of programmatic reports for federal grants and private foundations. During his tenure as the Director of Education Services at Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, Steve emphasized the importance of achieving high standards of quality in the program. He worked with staff to develop partnerships with the public and private sectors, reviewed financial and statistical reports to assess budget status, and ensured compliance with state and federal regulations. Steve also sought additional funding for the program, facilitated professional development, and oversaw staff performance. He actively resolved community complaints and maintained open lines of communication with grantee personnel. Prior to his leadership roles, Steve worked as a Head Start Program Social Worker at Jefferson County Public Schools, providing classroom interventions and coordinating community services for families. He also served as a Mental Health Professional at the Bluegrass Regional Mental Health Mental Retardation Board, Inc., where he provided therapy to children and families with emotional and behavioral disorders. Steve Lenahan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Western Kentucky University, which has provided him with a strong foundation in understanding human behavior and psychology. Overall, Steve Lenahan's diverse experiences and expertise in education and nonprofit management make him a highly capable professional in driving organizational success and positively impacting the communities he serves.