PCHAS Announces New Development Leadership Team

At Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services (PCHAS), we believe that strong relationships are at the heart of our mission. Whether through the generosity of donors, the dedication of volunteers, or the support of churches, countless people come together every day to help children, young adults, and families find hope and build brighter futures.

As PCHAS continues to grow and expand its impact, we are excited to introduce the leadership team that will guide our Development Department into the future.

                                                         Laura Fleming Named Vice President of Development

Laura Fleming has been named Vice President of Development and will provide leadership and strategic oversight for the agency's Development Department, including Development Officers, Marketing and Communications, Foundation Grants and Government Contracts, and Volunteer Services.

Laura joined PCHAS in 2020 as a Development Officer in Houston and was later promoted to Director of Development. She brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership experience to her role, including previous service as Development Director for Meals on Wheels.

Laura earned a Master's Degree in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University. Her passion for serving others began at a young age through church involvement and volunteer service.

"One of the things I love most about PCHAS is that no one does this work alone," said Fleming. "Every child who finds safety, every family that grows stronger, and every young adult who discovers hope does so because faithful supporters choose to walk alongside us. It is a privilege to serve an organization that has been changing lives for more than 120 years."

Laura lives in Fort Worth with her husband and enjoys hiking, cooking, and volunteering with her local animal shelter.

                                                           James Lavender Named Director of Development

James Lavender has been promoted to Director of Development, where he will lead the Development Team and help advance the mission of PCHAS through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnerships.

James brings more than 20 years of church ministry experience and a deep commitment to servant leadership, relationship-building, and helping people connect their values with meaningful opportunities to make a difference. During his three years with PCHAS, he has successfully strengthened donor relationships, supported organizational growth, and fostered a culture of generosity that helps children and families thrive.

                                                        Banner Huggins Named Senior Development Manager

Banner Huggins has been promoted to Senior Development Manager and will oversee PCHAS Volunteer Services throughout Texas and Missouri.

Banner is currently in her ninth year with PCHAS and brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience dedicated to serving organizations that benefit children. Prior to joining PCHAS, she served as Foundation Manager for Spurs Give, the charitable arm of the San Antonio Spurs.

In her expanded role, Banner will provide leadership for the agency's volunteer engagement strategy, helping connect individuals, churches, corporations, and community groups with meaningful opportunities to serve children and families across Texas, Missouri, and Louisiana.

A native of Blacksburg, Virginia, Banner earned her bachelor's degree in Business from Salem College in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She and her husband, Craig, have been married for 32 years and are proud parents of two young adult sons.

Looking Ahead

Together, Laura, James, and Banner bring decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, volunteer engagement, ministry, and community partnerships. As PCHAS looks to the future, this leadership team is committed to advancing the organization's vision:

A world where every child is safe, every family is strong, and hope outshines hardship.

Guided by Christ's love, the Development Department will continue building relationships, strengthening partnerships, and securing the resources necessary to empower children, young adults, and families for generations to come.

We invite our donors, churches, volunteers, and community partners to join us as we continue this important work together.