Barnabas Center Announces Retirement of its CEO, Wanda Lanier and Appointment of New President & CEO

The Barnabas Center Board of Directors announces the planned retirement of its long time President & CEO, Wanda Lanier, effective June 25, 2021.  Ms. Lanier has overseen the growth and success of Barnabas over the past 11 years, during which time Barnabas has significantly expanded its services throughout Nassau county, and earned numerous awards for service excellence and the Charity Navigator coveted 4-star highest rating for 14 consecutive years for it’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. After a months-long search process, the Board of Directors has appointed Jamie Reynolds as the nonprofit agency’s new President & CEO to succeed Ms. Lanier on June 25.

Ms. Reynolds brings more than 24 years of progressive executive and operational experience with nonprofit organizations. For the past five years, she has served as the CEO of Sisu Integrated Early Learning in Gainesville, Georgia. Sisu serves 157 students from 13 counties and is committed to helping every child reach his or her potential. In addition to sharing a mission with elements similar to Barnabas, Sisu offers a program model with wrap-a-round services, works with large numbers of partners and volunteers, and serves a diverse community.

Before joining Sisu, Ms. Reynolds served as Director of Marketing and Communications and subsequently the Director of Development and Marketing at Lakeview Academy in Gainesville.  She was the co-founder of Wyngate Drive Creative Communications in Gainesville, and was founder of JGR, a consumer product business. Ms. Reynolds earned a BS in nursing from Georgetown University and worked as a registered nurse for the first several years of her career.

Barnabas Board Chair, Andrea Hoffman, states “in addition to her administrative strengths, Jamie is passionate about the Barnabas mission. She is data-driven, results-oriented and able to lead in challenging times. The Barnabas Board is confident that Jamie is a good fit for Barnabas and will quickly win the trust of our communities at large”.

For more information about Barnabas Center, call (904) 261-7000.

Wanda Lanier (left), Jamie Reynolds (right)