Weather sponsored by:
Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services is proud to announce Nathan Chennault as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a deep commitment to social work and child welfare, Chennault brings a wealth of experience and a passion for helping children in need to the organization. A Louisiana native, Nathan has called Arkansas home since 2010, after relocating here with his family following the completion of his master's degree. His journey to Vera Lloyd began after he and his wife decided to settle within a day's travel of their home state, ensuring they were close to family. Since moving to Arkansas, Chennault has dedicated himself to improving the lives of those in the state, particularly the children who need the most support.
Chennault’s professional background is rooted in social work and therapy. He spent several years working as a therapist and eventually transitioned into leadership roles, including CEO of an organization in Fordyce that supports children and families. In his previous roles, Chennault worked with children involved in the state system, offering counseling and support while also overseeing operations and strategic development. After years of working for himself in private practice, he missed the sense of community and teamwork that comes with being part of an organization. When he learned that Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services was looking for a new CEO, he felt the pull to return to a more collaborative environment, one that focused on providing children with the resources, care, and opportunities to heal and grow.
Chennault’s connection to Vera Lloyd is both personal and professional. His daughter, Lilly, interned at Vera Lloyd, and through her, he learned more about the organization’s incredible work. Lilly's passion for the mission, along with her firsthand experiences, inspired him to consider the CEO role at Vera Lloyd. After careful consideration and discussions with his family, he made the decision to apply. His commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and his deep understanding of the challenges that come with supporting youth in need made him an ideal fit to lead Vera Lloyd into its next chapter.
As CEO, Chennault is committed to advancing the organization’s mission and expanding its impact in the community. One of his primary goals is to increase Vera Lloyd’s campus capacity to serve more children, with a target of reaching full capacity within the next six months. In addition to expanding the campus, he is also focused on enhancing the continuum of care for youth, ensuring that children who turn 18 have the support they need to transition into adulthood. He envisions programs that offer educational and vocational training, including partnerships with local colleges and vocational schools such as the University of Arkansas at Monticello, to help children build a future beyond their time at Vera Lloyd.
One of Chennault's key priorities is workforce development. Vera Lloyd’s youth benefit greatly from learning practical, real-world skills, and Chennault is dedicated to expanding these opportunities. The organization already offers a work program where children earn paychecks for their efforts, and he hopes to grow that initiative, introducing new programs such as a greenhouse, trades courses, and expanded substance abuse treatment programs. These offerings will provide children not only with the skills they need to succeed but also with a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from contributing to their own success.
At the heart of Chennault's vision is the idea of giving children the tools to dream. Many of the children at Vera Lloyd have experienced hardship, and for many, dreaming of a better future has not been a reality. He wants to change that by offering every child the opportunity to explore career paths, educational opportunities, and life skills that will set them up for success.
“Our goal is to make sure these kids leave here not only with emotional support and treatment but with the skills and confidence to take on the world,” Chennault said. “Whether that means graduating high school, earning a GED, or learning a trade, we want to give them the foundation to build a future.”
One of the most impactful aspects of Chennault’s leadership style is his focus on creating a supportive, family-like environment at Vera Lloyd. As part of his effort to enhance the experience for children in care, he is focused on maintaining a homelike atmosphere in the organization’s housing. With plans to add more homes in the future, he’s determined to ensure that Vera Lloyd never feels like an institution.
“Our children need to feel safe, loved, and valued. If they’re going to have a home, we want it to feel like one,” Chennault explained. “That means providing a comfortable, caring environment where kids can heal and grow.”
Chennault’s leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on the needs of the children served by Vera Lloyd. His dedication to the children and staff is evident in his daily work, as he spends time engaging with staff, checking in on campus activities, and keeping an open dialogue with both children and caregivers.
“The staff here is incredible, and their passion for the work they do is contagious,” Chennault said. “It’s easy to lead an organization when you’re surrounded by people who care deeply about the mission. And that’s what I see every day here at Vera Lloyd.”
As Vera Lloyd moves forward under Chennault’s leadership, the organization will continue to provide exceptional care to children in need, while expanding its programs and services to meet the evolving needs of the community. With Chennault at the helm, Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Family Services is well-positioned for a bright future, one where children can heal, grow, and discover the possibilities ahead of them.
