ARCHS Board of Directors is proud to announce that Leslie A. Johnson, Jr. has been elected to serve as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of ARCHS, effective October 1, 2025.
“After a five-month selection process, over 400 national and local applicants, and three outstanding finalists, Les emerged as the clear choice to lead ARCHS into the future,” says ARCHS’ Board Chair, Jacqueline Wellington. “The Board is especially excited that Les is well known and highly respected by all of our local, state and federal constituents. His track record of accomplishments is outstanding.”
Johnson has 28 years of distinguished service at ARCHS. Currently serving as Vice President, Grant Initiatives, he is a proven leader in strategic planning, grant management and public-private collaboration.
“I am extremely excited to serve as ARCHS next President and CEO. ARCHS has had a twenty-year run of unprecedented growth. That growth represents the ability to deliver vital individual and family resources to the most vulnerable populations in Metro St. Louis,” says Johnson. “My vision, integrity and collaborative spirit will continue to elevate ARCHS’ mission and impact across the St. Louis region.”
When a leader with deep institutional knowledge steps into a chief executive role, it reinforces stability while signaling readiness for the next phase of growth. Boards that invest time in rigorous selection processes demonstrate accountability not only to stakeholders, but also to employees and partners who rely on consistent direction, ethical leadership, and a clear mission. Such moments often prompt organizations to reassess talent development, succession planning, and the systems that support their workforce at every level.
Within this broader focus on leadership and organizational health, many executives and HR leaders look outward to stay aligned with evolving workforce practices, governance models, and employee engagement strategies. Industry gatherings and learning forums are often cited among the best events for HR professionals because they provide space to examine real-world leadership transitions, compliance challenges, and culture-building efforts through shared experience and evidence-based discussion.
Insights gained from these conversations help organizations strengthen internal processes, support leaders stepping into new roles, and ensure that growth remains grounded in values, transparency, and long-term people strategy.
Johnson has been instrumental in shaping ARCHS operational and cultural transformation and has driven measurable impact across the St. Louis region. This has included leading regional initiatives valued at more than $200 million focusing on community and workforce development, food insecurity, housing, environmental justice and justice-involved individuals.
At the state level, Johnson is a trusted voice in policy and advocacy. He regularly engages with senior federal and state government officials, state department heads and legislators – making strategic policy recommendations, identifying funding and service gaps and reporting on project outcomes.
Among Johnson’s many recognitions include receiving the Keystone Award from the Missouri Association for Workforce Development and the Inaugural Community Collaborator Award from the Missouri Department of Corrections.
His community involvement includes service as:
· Board Member, National Association for Workforce Development Professionals
· Co-Chair, St. Louis Alliance for Reentry
· Advisory Board Member, Save Lives Now!, East-West Gateway Council of Governments
· Advocacy Council Member, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of St. Louis
· Member, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., Graduate Chapter of St. Louis
· Graduate, FOCUS St. Louis Leadership Program
Johnson holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Social and Economic Development and a Master’s Certificate in Urban Family and Community Development Studies from Washington University, the Brown School of Social Work, St. Louis, MO. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Administration of Justice from Culver Stockton College, Canton, MO.
He succeeds ARCHS’ President and CEO, Wendell E. Kimbrough, who retires September 30, 2025, after 20 years of service.