Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSPWAL) Welcomes New Executive Director, Olandor O. Lewis

Community Service Programs of West Alabama (CSPWAL) proudly announces the appointment of Olandor O. Lewis, MBA/GM, CCAP, UCLA Head Start Management Fellow (Anderson School of Business), as its new Executive Director. With nearly 20 years of distinguished experience in Community Action and Head Start leadership, Mr. Lewis brings a proven record of advocacy, strategic innovation, and community empowerment to the agency’s ongoing mission of uplifting children, families, and communities across West Alabama.

Before joining CSPWAL, Mr. Lewis made a lasting impact as Head Start/Early Head Start Director for Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission in South Carolina. During his tenure, he expanded comprehensive early childhood programs, secured major federal and state grants, implemented innovative community partnerships, and led organizational restructuring efforts that enhanced operational performance and family outcomes.

Mr. Lewis has also served in several prominent statewide and regional leadership roles, including President of the South Carolina State Head Start Association, Region IV Head Start Association Board Member, and State Captain representing South Carolina in Washington, D.C., where he advocated passionately for Head Start programs, children, and families at the national level. His extraordinary contributions to the field were recognized when he was named the 2025 recipient of the Billy J. McCain, Sr. Excellence in Community Service Award—one of South Carolina’s most prestigious honors in community action and public service.

Reverence Freddie Washington, Chairman of the Executive Board for Community Service Programs of West Alabama, stated:

“Mr. Lewis brings a wealth of experience, vision, and dedication to advancing the mission of CSPWAL — to empower families and strengthen communities through comprehensive programs and services. His leadership, integrity, and proven commitment to community development make him exceptionally well-suited to guide our organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The Board of Directors has full confidence in Mr. Lewis’s ability to uphold the organization’s longstanding values of service, collaboration, and excellence. Under his leadership, we are confident that CSPWAL will continue to expand its reach, enhance its programs, and deepen its positive impact across the West Alabama region.”

We invite our partners, supporters, and the broader community to join us in welcoming Mr. Lewis to his new role and in supporting him as he leads CSPWAL forward in service to our community.

The Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Karen Thompson-Jackson, expressed:

“I am honored to welcome Mr. Olandor O. Lewis to Community Service Programs of West Alabama. From the very beginning of our national search, it was clear that CSPWAL needed a leader who not only possessed deep administrative expertise, but also a genuine passion for people and community transformation.

Mr. Lewis embodies those qualities and more. His extensive background in Community Action, early childhood education, and organizational leadership reflects both vision and heart two qualities essential to advancing the mission and values of CSPWAL. Throughout the interview process, his energy, innovation, and commitment to equity and service resonated deeply with our committee.

We are confident that Mr. Lewis’s leadership will usher in a new era of collaboration, strategic growth, and community impact. On behalf of the Search Committee, I extend our heartfelt congratulations and unwavering support as he begins this important work of empowering families and strengthening West Alabama communities.”

In addition to his leadership credentials, Mr. Lewis is a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) and a proud graduate of the UCLA Head Start Management Fellows Program at the Anderson School of Business, one of the nation’s premier executive training programs for early childhood leaders. His career has been defined by a steadfast dedication to building systems of excellence, accountability, and collaboration across programs that serve low-income families.

Reflecting on his new role, Mr. Lewis stated:

“It is an honor to join the CSPWAL family and to serve alongside such dedicated professionals who share a deep commitment to community transformation. Together, we will continue the vital work of helping children, families, and individuals achieve economic stability, educational success, and lasting self-sufficiency. I look forward to strengthening partnerships, advancing innovation, and amplifying the powerful impact of Community Action across West Alabama.”

Mr. Lewis’s appointment marks a new chapter of growth and innovation for CSPWAL as the organization continues to deliver high-impact programs in housing, education, workforce development, community and family support services across more than 10 counties in West Alabama.