For over 50 years, the National Network for Youth (NN4Y) has been governed by a Board of Directors committed to our mission to transform systems so that no young person in America experiences homelessness.
NN4Y’s Board reflects a diverse network of leaders from across the youth homelessness field, including direct service providers, youth with lived expertise, and statewide coalitions as well as subject matter experts on equity, legal services, and nonprofit financial management. Together, they bring decades of experience advancing solutions for youth experiencing homelessness, including youth who are disproportionately impacted by systemic inequities.
We are excited to welcome those joining the board, those stepping into leadership roles, and express our deep gratitude to those who have completed their leadership term.
Board Leadership
New Board Chair
Alison Kear, Board Chair
Executive Director
Covenant House Alaska, Anchorage, AK
Alison moved to Alaska in 1994 and soon after discovered her purpose when she began supporting our at-risk youth at Covenant House Alaska (CHA). Her tenacity, ability to make connections and never take no for an answer propelled her to the position of Executive Director in 2012. Read more.
New Vice Chair
Rich Hooks Wayman, Vice Chair
President and CEO
Volunteers of America Northern New England, Portland, ME
Richard Hooks Wayman serves as the President and CEO for Volunteers of America Northern New England (www.voanne.org), a nonprofit organization offering affordable housing, residential treatment and community-based social services in Maine and New Hampshire. Read more.
“Our work demands a national perspective—elevating youth with lived experience and strengthening providers across the country. As Chair of the National Network for Youth, I’m committed to advancing solutions that center young people.”—Alison Kear
Immediate Past Board Chair
Brennon Graham, Immediate Past Board Chair
Chief Executive Officer
Alexander Youth Network, Charlotte, NC
Brennon Graham currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Alexander Youth Network. He has enjoyed a human services career that spans more than 20 years serving at-risk youth in the areas of homelessness, mental health/behavioral health, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. Previous to his current job, Brennon served at The Relatives for over 11 years. Read more.
Immediate Past Vice Chair
Pat Holterman-Hommes, Immediate Past Vice Chair
President and CEO
Youth in Need, St. Charles, MO
In 2013, Ms. Holterman-Hommes became the fourth President and CEO of Youth In Need’s history. She has been a key staff member at Youth In Need since 1990, serving most recently as Chief Program Officer. She has extensive expertise in the areas of adolescent development and family therapy, child abuse, and neglect issues, positive youth development, and organizational development. Ms. Holterman-Hommes currently serves on the boards of the Missouri Coalition of Children’s Agencies, National Safe Place Network, and the Community Council of St. Charles County. She also represents the needs of vulnerable children and youth on various statewide committees, including the Children’s Services Coalition.
New Board Members
New Board Member
Bonita Campbell, Board Member
VP & Chief Operating Officer
Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, Cincinnati, OH
Bonita Campbell has served the community through Lighthouse for more than 30 years. She joined Lighthouse in 1991 as a Foster Parent Recruiter. Since then, she has served Lighthouse in many roles, including Director of Foster Care and Adoption, Division Director of Independent Living and Foster Care, Director of Youth Housing Opportunities, Senior Director of Homeless Youth Services, and most recently, Vice President of Homeless Youth Services. She was promoted to VP & Chief Operating Officer in September 2023. Ms. Campbell graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Bonita is a Licensed Social Worker and Level 1 Trauma Practitioner.
New Board Member
Fedora Galasso, Board Member
Chief Executive Officer
Texas Network of Youth Services, Austin, TX
Fedora Galasso is the Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Network of Youth Services (TNOYS), where she leads a statewide network advancing policy, practice, and partnerships to improve outcomes for Texas youth and young adults involved in systems. She previously served as Southern Regional Director for Young Invincibles, advancing economic opportunity for young adults nationwide. Fedora has extensive state government experience, having led innovative programs at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. She holds dual master’s degrees from the University of Texas at Austin in Public Affairs and Social work.
New Board Member
Joli Guenther, MSSW, LCSW, Board Member
Executive Director
Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services, Greater Madison Area, WI
Joli Guenther, MSSW, LCSW, Executive Director, Wisconsin Association for Homeless and Runaway Services has served young people and families through over twenty years of work in Runaway and Homeless Youth Services at the state and Federal levels. Read more.
“I’m honored to serve on the National Network for Youth’s Board of Directors and to be part of a community that centers youth voice and drives real change. This is a meaningful opportunity to bring together advocacy, practice, and policy to better support young people experiencing homelessness.”—Joli Guenther, MSSW, LCSW
We are grateful for their leadership and continued commitment to doing this work during a time of increasing attacks on young people. Together, we can ensure that all young people have a safe place to call home with endless opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.
