By Sofia Gonzalez – Reporter, Houston Business Journal
Dec 12, 2023

Local nonprofit Civic Heart Community Services — which was previously known as
Change Happens — will soon say goodbye to its current CEO.

After 23 years with the organization and four as CEO, Helen Stagg will officially retire on
Dec. 31. She will be succeeded by Kionta Carter, who will assume the role on Jan. 3, 2024.
The organization said Carter was chosen following an extensive executive search, which
began shortly after Stagg first announced her retirement in September.

“I am honored to be entrusted to build on the foundation established by those who have
come before me and those I will work alongside to bring more needed services to more
people in our community,” Carter said in a statement. “What inspires me is the
opportunity to increase awareness to allow more people to know who we are and get
more people involved in continuing the legacy of impactful community work.”

During Stagg’s tenure as CEO and throughout her time with the organization, she
oversaw a $13 million annual budget and helped lead Civic Heart to achieve a 240%
increase in community investment. With the help from a wide range of partners, she also
expanded the work of the organization to more than 25 programs, serving 65,000 people
across 59 counties. These efforts were also supported by Civic Heart’s 75 employees and
280 volunteers, a release says.

Stagg’s work earned her recognition as an honoree of Houston Business Journal’s 2021
Most Admired CEOs.

“The bar will be high for our new CEO, without doubt,” Vanessa Reed, Civic Heart’s
board chairperson, said in a statement. “Fortunately, Ms. Carter will stand on the
shoulders of a successful predecessor, who fully supports her in the transition to ensure
continuity in quality client services and consistency in planned programs.”

Carter brings with her 15 years of experience through various leadership roles she has
held with the YMCA of Greater Houston, most recently as vice president of community
impact and operations. During her time with this organization, she gained knowledge in
the operational aspects of a nonprofit as well as fundraising experience. Carter oversaw a
$16 million budget, which helped with the operations and growth strategies of 12 YMCA
centers.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from
Wayne State University. She also has earned several certifications and serves on
community leadership organization committees.

Carter has already begun preparing for her new role, working alongside Stagg to ensure
the transition is smooth for the organization, the release says.