The Children’s Inn at NIH Announces New CEO

Kathy Russell will be retiring from her role as CEO of The Children’s Inn on January 8, 2015. Kathy has been dedicated to The Children’s Inn’s work through service as a founding board member and as CEO over the last ten years. Kathy has worked enthusiastically and collaboratively with the board since its inception – first as a colleague and then as The Inn’s liaison to the board in a staff position. She has done so always with an eye towards what best serves the needs young residents and their families. While Kathy’s leadership will be missed, her retirement is well-deserved and we wish her the best.

Looking to the future, The Children’s Inn is pleased to announce that, after careful consideration and a very thorough due diligence process, The Inn’s Board of Directors has offered the CEO position to Jennie Lucca, MSW, current Chief Program and Services Officer, who has graciously accepted. Jennie’s appointment assures a seamless transition for ongoing dedication and commitment to The Inn’s mission. She will assume her new role on January 9, 2015. 

Jennie is a seasoned human service professional with more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector. Her career began in Anchorage, Alaska working for The Arc of Anchorage, an organization dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities. Since that time her focus primarily has been on developing and managing family support programs in community and health care settings. She is passionate about supporting families during times of significant stress and has been acknowledged for her compassion, dedication and strategic leadership. Jennie has served in a leadership capacity at The Inn for more than 11 years, directing resident services and facilities needs in support of our children and their families. Over the last five years, Jennie has been Kathy’s chief deputy and acting CEO in her absence.

Jennie was born in Anchorage, Alaska. She completed her undergraduate work in Child Psychology at the University of Minnesota, followed by a Masters in Social Work with a focus on Policy, Planning and Administration from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Jennie and her husband, Rob, have two children – a son, Blake, 8 and a daughter, Hayden, 5. The Lucca’s live in Oak Hill, Virginia.

Jennie is looking forward to working with all of The Inn’s constituents to better serve the more than 1,500 children and families who call The Inn “home” each year.

The Children’s Inn at NIH is exceedingly pleased that Jennie has accepted the CEO position and hope that you will join in all efforts to assure her and The Inn’s ultimate success. 

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