14-year Veteran of the Nonprofit Sector Becomes Director of Operations for Metro Atlanta Organization Devoted to Bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to Families Experiencing Homelessness
Duluth, Ga., April 30, 2024 – After more than 30 years as a transitional housing program for families with children who’ve recently experienced the trauma of homelessness, Rainbow Village is poised for growth in some exciting new directions. To help propel that growth, the Metro Atlanta-based nonprofit has added a pivotal new role to its leadership team. Stepping into the role of Director of Operations is Robert Laws, a seasoned veteran of the nonprofit sector with a wealth of experience from nationally recognized organizations such as The YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. His expertise and proven track record in operational management are set to bring a new level of efficiency and effectiveness to Rainbow Village.
“We are excited to welcome Robert to our team,” said Rainbow Village’s CEO Melanie Conner. “He brings a wealth of operational experience with three of the nation’s largest youth and family nonprofits, which will no doubt prove invaluable, and we’re already starting to see extremely promising signs of that. Created as part of our strategic growth plan, the role of Director of Operations is an entirely new position that will help provide me the freedom to focus on rooting out new growth opportunities – both on and off-campus. In his capacity as Director of Operations, Robert will provide thought leadership to help reimagine our current programs to better meet the changing needs of our residents and alumni as they pursue, maintain, and advance their individual journeys toward self-sustainability. He will also ensure that current programs and our facilities are maintained and that enhanced program strategies are implemented, both on our campus and out in the community through our partnership with Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries.”
Laws first got his start in the nonprofit sector while attending Alabama A&M University, volunteering his time and talents to the local chapter of Big Brothers & Big Sisters of America, The Special Olympics, and his local church. In 2010, his first job out of college was as Sports Director for The Heart of the Valley YMCA in Huntsville, Alabama. He then spent several years in the private sector, focused on sales and operations, before moving to Atlanta in 2018. Heeding the call to return to nonprofit work, he lent his expertise to the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America as District Executive and the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Metro Atlanta as Director of Operations before joining the staff at Rainbow Village. He credits his servant’s heart to his mother, who served as a Social Worker for over 40 years, and the passion she displayed while working with young people and people in need. He also has several pastors in his family and views his nonprofit career as his ministry.
“As a nonprofit Director of Operations, I get to see the inner workings of an organization up close,” shared Laws. “Having been with three of the largest youth nonprofits out there, their processes were very sound, but there is a lot of red tape when working within such large, long-standing organizations. At Rainbow Village, they aren’t under the umbrella of a parent organization – making it easier to be creative, evolve and grow. Still, I’ll be able to bring my experience and discipline to the forefront and make a positive impact. In addition to the day-to-day operations of a growing nonprofit, I’ll be crafting policies, making sure processes are sound, and ensuring that we remain compliant with grants. I am incredibly impressed with the passion and vision of the leadership of Rainbow Village, fostering its growth over the last 33 years. I’m excited to work with a leader like Melanie, who will help me grow, too. I’m proud to be a part of an organization that pours into families who have hit a rough spot in life. I believe we’re put on this Earth to contribute and be a blessing to others.”
When not at work Bringing Help, Hope, Housing, and Healing to Families Experiencing Homelessness with the Rainbow Village team, you’ll find Laws spending time with his 12-year-old daughter, Samiah –a 7th grader at Grace Snell Middle School. He endeavors to show her the importance of giving back and having an impact on her community. He enjoys spending time outdoors – hiking, tubing, and whitewater rafting. He’s also a huge sports fan and loves to display his grill talents – believing his ribs are among the best.
To learn more about Rainbow Village, volunteer to support its mission, or make an online donation, visit www.RainbowVillage.org.
About Rainbow Village: Established in 1991, Rainbow Village is a transformative 501(c)3 nonprofit program located in Duluth, GA, that serves families currently experiencing homelessness. Our model provides safe housing, education, and community support systems that allow families to confidently embark on the journey to self-sufficiency and thrive beyond our village. To learn more about the mission at the heart of Rainbow Village, make a tax-deductible donation or register as a volunteer, visit www.RainbowVillage.org. To stay up-to-date on the latest Rainbow Village news and events, the nonprofit invites you to connect with them on social media, including Facebook @RainbowVillageInc, Instagram @rainbowvillageinc, Twitter @rainbowvillage1, and LinkedIn @rainbow-village-inc.
