Robert Ramirez Appointed Chief Operating Officer

Lena Pope, a nonprofit organization with a 93-year history of improving the lives of children and families in Tarrant County, has appointed Robert Ramirez as its new Chief Operating Officer.

Robert Ramirez, currently the Director of Human Resources at Lena Pope, has assume the role of Chief Operating Officer effective September 1, 2023. As Chief Operating Officer, Ramirez will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and ensuring Lena Pope is in compliance with all state and federal regulations.

Ramirez has been employed at Lena Pope for 24 years starting as a direct-service provider and working in many different front-line and administrative roles at Lena Pope’s charter school, Chapel Hill Academy. Ramirez has a degree in general studies from Columbia College and a Master of Education from the University of North Texas. Ramirez received the Hero de la Comunidad Award presented by the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and was recently recognized on the 50 Emerging Latino Leaders list from the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Ramirez is a member of the Society for Human Resource Management, Fort Worth HR nonprofit, and Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

“Robert’s depth of knowledge of Lena Pope’s programs and understanding of the importance of how Lena Pope operates as an agency makes him the perfect person for this role,” shared Ashley Elgin, Ph.D., CEO of Lena Pope. “Throughout his career, Robert has exemplified the values of Lena Pope and I know he will instill those values into others, serving as a mentor and leader among our staff.”

Shnease Webb, Lena Pope’s Chief Operating Officer since 2005, is beginning the process of retirement in 2024 and will become Chief Operating Officer Emeritus effective September 1, 2023. Webb celebrated 50 years of service at Lena Pope in 2023. Webb began her career at Lena Pope as a receptionist and moved through several positions, culminating as Chief Operating Officer. Webb earned a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Business Administration from TCU. Webb has been involved with many organizations, including Leadership Fort Worth, Child Welfare League of America, Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, and served on the Community Relations Board at Carswell Federal Hospital. Webb received the YWCA Women in Leadership Award and the Garcia-Lancarte Award, an award given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to Lena Pope.

“Shnease has lived a life of service and we are grateful and honored she chose to serve our community through Lena Pope for the last 50 years,” shared Ashley Elgin, Ph.D., Lena Pope CEO. “Shnease will forever be a part of Lena Pope and her commitment to growing and investing in new leadership is one of the reasons Lena Pope is in a great position moving forward.”