Meet Board Chair Carmen Maye Lucas

Carmen Maye Lucas
Board Chair
Koinonia Community Solutions

Koinonia Community Solutions is proud to introduce our Board Chair, Carmen Maye Lucas, a dedicated leader with deep roots in northeastern North Carolina and a passion for community impact. 

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services and leadership, Lucas has built a career focused on economic empowerment, mentorship, and helping individuals and families create pathways toward long-term success. A graduate of both East Carolina University and North Carolina State University, she continues to invest in the communities that helped shape her journey. 

As a respected leader, mentor, and advocate for equitable opportunities, she brings both professional expertise, and a strong sense of purpose to KCS. Her commitment to growth, accountability, and community-centered leadership makes her an incredible asset as the organization continues expanding its impact across the region. 

Get to know Carmen Maye Lucas through the interview below.

What inspired you to become involved with KCS, and why does this work matter to you personally? 

I was drawn to the work of KCS because I believe deeply that strong communities are built through intentional, people-centered work, and that's exactly what this organization does. The work matters to me personally, because I've seen what happens when systems fail people, and I want to be a part of building something that catches them instead. 

What is the role of the board in supporting and guiding an organization like KCS? 

The board's role is ensuring that the organization has governance, financial oversight, and strategic direction that it needs to fulfil its mission. We set up that framework so the staff can focus on delivering impact and operate from a great and strong foundation.

Why is the work KCS does so important for this community right now? 

[North]eastern North Carolina communities face real challenges. We have economic empowerment challenges, reentry barriers, and limited youth opportunities. KCS is at the intersection of all that work, and they provide practical human-centered solutions. The work really matters now because the needs in this community haven't slowed down and neither has the work of this organization.

What impact have you seen KCS make in the lives of individuals and families?

I've seen KCS make an impact on people that did not have many options. They've connected individuals to resources, given young people a safe and enriching place to grow and develop, and built the kind of community infrastructure that changes a family's trajectory in their future. That kind of impact doesn't necessarily make headlines every day, but it truly changes lives for generations. 

What makes KCS different from other organizations doing similar work? 

KCS doesn't operate in silos. It approaches community challenges holistically serving the same families, often across reentry, education, or economic empowerment. It's all connected to one ecosystem, and that integration is rare and differentiates us. It's quite impactful.  

What responsibility do you feel as Board Chair when it comes to ensuring the success and integrity of this work? 

I feel a deep responsibility to govern the board in the same way, care, and intentionality that this organization and staff do with its programs. That means asking hard questions, holding high standards, and making sure that we're building systems that outlast any one person, including me. 

What are some challenges the organization faces as it continues to grow and expand its impact? 

Like many nonprofit organizations, KCS faces the challenge of growing sustainability financially but also scaling financially while continuing to meet so many communities' needs and demands. I'm the new board chair, so we're in the midst of some leadership change as well. Ensuring we have an actively engaged board to support this work is where we are. 

What is your vision for the future of KCS and the communities it serves? 

My vision is for KCS to be a model that's well governed, community rooted, financially stable, programmatically strong, and led by people who are deeply invested in northeastern North Carolina. I want the communities we serve to see permanent support and a trusted anchor through this organization. 

What would you want the community, supporters, or potential partners to understand after seeing this work? 

I would want the community to understand that the work is real, it's rigorous, and it's making a measurable difference. KCS is not just filling a gap; it's actually building something that's lasting, and that deserves investment. 

Why should people invest their time, trust, or resources into KCS? 

I think people should invest in KCS because the return on that investment is not just about profit, it's measured in people who get a second chance; young people who get exposure and expansion, a safe place to learn; and families who get to experience more stability than they had before. That's the kind of work that changes not only communities, but it changes generations. 

Is there anything else you'd like to add as board chair?

I have a massive passion for people. Understanding the impact that this organization is committed to making in northeastern North Carolina, having the best staff I've ever experienced working with that care tremendously; I encourage those that have not to come to check out what we're doing, learn more about it, volunteer, participate, and invest because we are truly making a difference.