HumanKind CEO Announces Departure for the New Year
Lynchburg, VA – January 17, 2022
HumanKind Board of Directors announces the departure of President and Chief Executive Officer Robert (Bob) S. Dendy.
For the past 18 years, Dendy has played a critical role in the development, growth, and success of the organization — growing a historical orphanage into the comprehensive human services nonprofit it is today. Dendy is the sixth person to head the organization since its founding in 1903. Dendy’s mentoring had already made possible at the start of the year organizational structure promoting Stan Southworth from Chief Operations Officer to President of HumanKind. Southworth will also assume the role of interim CEO of HumanKind.
“Bob’s innovative and caring leadership will be missed as he moves on to the next chapter in his life” states Chal Nunn, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We are fortunate to have had him for almost two decades, but he is leaving the organization in a healthy position. He has built a strong board, leadership team, and staff often described by those we serve as neighbors helping neighbors or even as family. On behalf of the board to our employees, those we serve, and our community, please join me in congratulating Bob on a job well done making Lynchburg and the Commonwealth more humanly kind.”
During his time with the organization as CEO, Bob oversaw great changes. Under his leadership, “Pres Homes” merged with the Alliance for Families and Children and created the Presbyterian Homes and Family Services Inc — later rebranded to the more inclusive name HumanKind. Today, HumanKind is a high-performing human services non-profit delivering more than 20 programs and serving thousands of people each year.
Under Dendy’s direction, HumanKind became the Work Force Development Operator for our region and has been partnering on the front lines of employment services throughout the pandemic. The organization brought Early Head Start to the community addressing a “child care desert”. And recently created HumanKind Lending, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) to provide financial literacy, fair credit lending, and borrower support through the organization’s Ways to Work program, a car loan program also assisting individuals eager to re-enter or remain in the workforce with reliable transportation.
Dendy followed what he perceived to be a calling to Lynchburg and Presbyterian Homes as the CEO 18 years ago becoming the first leader of the organization who was not a Presbyterian minister. Bob utilized his leadership skills to channel his passion and life’s mission for serving vulnerable populations.
HumanKind extends deep gratitude to Bob for the commitment, passion, enthusiasm and motivation he has shown to the organization over the past 18 years. We look forward to following the success of his future endeavors and are hopeful and excited for the next chapter of HumanKind, as we continue to support our community and strive to reach our vision where every person is valued, families are healthy and communities prosper.
Contact:
HumanKind | Ashleigh Karol, Director of Communications at 434-426-9834, akarol@humankind.org
About HumanKind
HumanKind has provided programs and services in communities throughout Virginia since 1903. Our mission is to strengthen individuals and families through care, counseling, and education. Our programs focus on Early Childhood Development, Economic Opportunity, Mental & Behavioral Health Services, Developmental Disabilities, Youth & Family Services, and Health & Wellness. Every day, we assist families in overcoming challenges and improving their quality of life. The impact of HumanKind would not be possible without the generous support of individuals, churches, foundations, corporations, and the community. You can find out more about the programs and services we offer on our website, www.humankind.org.