NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME MISSION
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Beacon of Hope embarked on a significant leadership transition in April of 2024. Laura Lacy Hamilton, the founding Executive Director, led the organization with passion and a hands-on approach for 14 years. Laura's tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering Lynchburg City School students and bridging the gap between high school and higher education or career pathways. Under her guidance, Beacon of Hope not only provided scholarships but also created innovative programs that have gained national recognition. Effective on April 15th, Leidra McQueen, a dedicated member of the Beacon team for over a decade, took the helm as the new Executive Director. Leidra's connections to the Lynchburg community and Beacon of Hope run deep—she is a graduate of Heritage High School, and her career has been a testament to her commitment to college access and success for Lynchburg's students. From her early days as a College Access Adviser to a Future Center Director at Heriage, and her recent role as Deputy Director, Leidra consistently demonstrated her ability to execute the organization's vision with excellence. Together, with the support of the Board of Directors, Laura and Leidra have moved towards this leadership transition in lockstep. Leidra’s responsive leadership, with Laura’s visionary approach as a foundation for the organization, ensures that Beacon of Hope will continue to thrive. Beacon of Hope remains flexible to meet the needs of students and responsive to the community’s vision for the future of the Lynchburg region. The vision for Beacon of Hope remains unchanged.
From Future Center Director to Executive Director Leidra McQueen’s appointment as the second Executive Director of Beacon of Hope was a natural choice for the Board of Directors. Joining Beacon of Hope as Heritage High School’s Future Center Director in the fall of 2014, Leidra spent the next five years expanding outreach and piloting programs to increase student participation and engagement. In 2019, Leidra became the Director of College Success with the advent of the Stay Close, Go Far Promise Scholarship and creation of the Office of College and Career Success. Her adaptive leadership style, which balances systems and structure with deep relationships and authenticity, allowed her to excel in this role. Consequently, in 2021, she transitioned to the role of Deputy Director. This pivotal position leveraged her extensive knowledge of Beacon’s programs, providing her the ability to oversee policy and strategic planning under Laura’s leadership.
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