Lance O’Keefe has been elected president by the board of directors of Family Promise of Santa Clarita Valley.

O’Keefe, a member of the nonprofit organization’s volunteer board since 2017, replaces Laurie Ender who has stepped down after serving as president for six years. Ender will continue serving on the board and will focus on program expansion and outreach.

O’Keefe has worked for the city of Santa Clarita in a variety of roles since 2001 and is currently in the Recreation and Community Services Department as a Management Analyst.

In this role, he is responsible for the department’s budget creation and oversight, contract management, and community and staff engagement. He has more than 15 years of experience in youth and adult community program development, implementation, and evaluation and has been volunteering with Family Promise for four years.

O’Keefe has been a resident of Santa Clarita for more than 20 years and is raising his two daughters with his wife Kelly. Lance received his Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation and Tourism Management and a Master’s Degree in Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality Management from California State University, Northridge.

“Lance brings great energy and tremendous leadership skills to the board and we are looking forward to wonderful things ahead with him as our president,” said Dr. Roché Vermaak, Family Promise executive director. “The local homelessness crisis is growing worse and we need strong leadership and a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of our homeless children and their families.”

Family Promise has been in operation in the Santa Clarita Valley since 2011 and provides shelter, meals, support and case management for local homeless children and their families. They partner with local businesses, faith communities, non-profits and other agencies to assist these families 365 days a year.

Find out more about Family Promise SCV here.