St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge Board of Directors Announces Successful CEO Search

St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge (SVdP-BR) announced today that the search for a new CEO has been successfully completed. Sunnie Johnson-Lain, CEO of Catholic Charities Washtenaw County will join the organization as CEO on June 2nd, 2025. Sunnie succeeds former CEO Michael Acaldo whose leadership of SVdP-BR for over 34 years led to his selection as CEO of SVdP-USA last fall.

SVdP-BR’s CEO search was overseen by a committee of eight current and former Board members, led by Ralph Stephens. The search encompassed sources and prospects from local, regional and national areas. The committee was advised throughout by Connectly Recruiting & The Boland Group search firms specializing in the recruitment of CEOs for nonprofits and foundations.

As CEO of Catholic Charities in Ann Arbor, MI, Sunnie oversees a team offering 18 programs, including Behavioral Health, Re-Entry Services, Senior Services and Pastoral Care. In her first year of leadership, Sunnie rebranded the organization and significantly increased fundraising over the previous year.

As Chief Services & Strategy Officer for SVdP--Cincinnati in her 11-year tenure there, Sunnie oversaw Strategic Planning and a staff administering nine programs in support of 1,100 Vincentians across 54 traditional conferences and another 1,000 volunteers. Sunnie created SVdP – Cincinnati’s first Workforce Development Program, two outreach centers, a retreat center, a high-volume food pantry, a call center, and a residential year of service program for young adults ages 21-30.

As Director of Conferences and Community Outreach for SVdP-Dayton, Sunnie led 800 volunteers in 35 Conferences, where she implemented a comprehensive training and faith formation program, led development, financial management, and recruiting, and created SVdP-Dayton’s first outreach center.

Sunnie Johnson-Lain said “It is a great honor to have been selected as CEO, in the 160th year of SVdP in Baton Rouge. I am so grateful to Michael Acaldo and the talented SVDP-BR team for their excellent efforts that have resulted in a firm foundation, meaningful and impactful programs, and steadfast community support. I look forward to leading the Society in Baton Rouge into its next chapter and am eager to meet SVDP’s many neighbors and friends in Baton Rouge. St. Vincent de Paul has been my home for nearly 20 years, and I am looking forward to making Baton Rouge home as well.”

SVdP-BR Board Chair, Andy Adler, noted: “This is a great day for the Society. Sunnie is an amazing leader, a consummate professional, and the kind of visionary that the Society needs to help take us into the future. Sunnie has a deep commitment to the essential elements of spirituality, service, and friendship. The Board of Directors and I look forward to welcoming her into our Baton Rouge family.”

Diocesan Council President Kim Boudreaux added: “A Vincentian for 20 years and a dedicated Spiritual Advisor for the last 13, Sunnie understands the challenges and opportunities before us; we’re pleased to have her lead us going forward.”
About St Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge (SVDPBR.net)

Since its founding, St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge has been dedicated to serving the most vulnerable members of our community. Rooted in the Catholic Social Teachings, SVDP-BR provides essential resources, including homeless shelters, meal programs, a community pharmacy, and supportive services to our neighbors in need. Through the commitment of volunteers, staff, and community partners, SVDP-BR strives to restore dignity and hope by offering compassionate care and pathways toward self-sufficiency. Each year, the organization serves thousands of individuals and families, ensuring that those facing hardship receive the assistance they need.