Bernadette Lucas named Liberty’s Kitchen Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2023

Media Contact: Elizabeth Smith // esmith@libertyskitchen.org // 504.304.2316

Liberty’s Kitchen announces new Executive Director
Bernadette Lucas to transition to new role as Executive Director

New Orleans, La. (January 9, 2023) – Liberty’s Kitchen has announced that Bernadette Lucas, former Interim Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Executive Director by the organization’s Board of Directors. 

Lucas joined Liberty’s Kitchen as CFO in 2017 following several years of related experience in both the non-profit and private sectors. A New Orleans native, Lucas is a graduate of Dillard University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. Upon the exit of the former Liberty’s Kitchen CEO in June, Lucas served six months as Interim Executive Director overseeing the work of the organization’s three-year strategic planning process and helping to position the organization for future growth and service to regional young people.

Lucas shared: “As Executive Director, I look forward to implementing the key components of our recently completed three-year strategic plan to ensure Liberty’s Kitchen is well-positioned for the future. Supporting New Orleans youth with critical workforce development training and providing important wraparound services is more important now than ever. As a result of our long-term planning and forthcoming implementation, Liberty’s Kitchen will be a leader in empowering young people to become capable and confident individuals who thrive in their communities.” 

Judge Calvin Johnson, Liberty’s Kitchen Board Chair, said, “Bernadette has played an integral role in the growth and success of Liberty’s Kitchen over many  years. Her new leadership role will amplify her dedication to positively impacting our community by creating opportunities for our young people. As Liberty’s Kitchen embarks on a new era, the Board is excited to support her and her teams’ efforts in strengthening program support, alumni engagement, and community awareness efforts. 

For more information about Liberty’s Kitchen and its programs to help New Orleans’ young people create and achieve their vision of success, visit: www.libertyskitchen.org.

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Liberty’s Kitchen creates pathways for New Orleans youth to create and achieve their vision of success through workforce training, leadership development, and support of healthy lifestyles. Founded in 2008 by Janet Davas, Liberty’s Kitchen has served over 1,000 young adults since the inception of its Youth Development Program. In its nearly 15-year existence, Liberty’s Kitchen has deepened its impact to include leadership development for alumni and work with employers to sustain long-term career pathways.