The CEO of St. Vincent de Paul Baton Rouge started her career as a volunteer
Sunnie Johnson-Lain knows the ins and outs of St. Vincent de Paul better than almost anyone. This knowledge comes from 20 years of involvement with the organization in three different states.
When Johnson-Lain’s youngest child began preschool, she decided to volunteer at a local branch in Ohio, where she was living at the time. She had always been passionate about faith and social justice, and St. Vincent de Paul was the perfect opportunity to step into.
She began by answering phone calls as a volunteer and then was hired as a manager at one of the organization’s thrift stores. From there, she continued to serve and work her way up.
Over the years, she has held 12 roles, including Chief Services and Strategy Officer, at two St. Vincent de Paul branches.
Johnson-Lain was recruited to lead St. Vincent de Paul of Baton Rouge and stepped into the role of president and CEO in 2025. When she visited the Red Stick for the first time, she was immediately struck by how gracious, funny and friendly Capital Region residents are.
“I was not only impressed with the facilities and what we do here,” she says. “I was impressed with the city and the people, and I thought I would be happy here, not just in my work, but also just living here.”
Johnson-Lain brings something unique to this Baton Rouge branch, considering that she has been involved in almost every aspect of St. Vincent de Paul.
“I’ve done so many jobs, overseen so many programs that I feel like I understand nonprofit in a way that most executives don’t. And I mean the operations side. I mean every little nook and cranny,” she says.
Two decades of work have intertwined St. Vincent de Paul with Johnson-Lain’s life. In fact, the impact has reached so far that her youngest daughter also works for the nonprofit. Yes, the same daughter who began preschool 20 years ago and initiated her involvement.
“Being a Vincentian is part of who I am, and so I think it goes a lot beyond skill. It’s my heart,” she says.
It’s rare for a CEO to start at an organization in an entry-level position, but this perspective has allowed Johnson-Lain to see exactly what the Baton Rouge community needs. She says the biggest challenge is homelessness, which she also sees as the greatest opportunity to help.
Since Johnson-Lain’s arrival, the local arm of St. Vincent de Paul has started a few new initiatives. One major focus area has been the organization’s thrift stores. This year, St. Vincent de Paul opened its first upscale resale boutique in Baton Rouge, dubbed Rosalie’s. This boutique was a years-long dream for Johnson-Lain.
More efforts to expand the organization’s reach are also underway, including a housing solution that will be a first in Baton Rouge. The plan includes a village of tiny homes that will serve as transitional housing.
After all this time, Johnson-Lain says her coworkers, volunteers and the people St. Vincent de Paul serves keep her inspired and motivated.
“So many times they inspire me with their faith that everything will be okay,” she says. “Even though things are hard right now, everything will be okay.”
This article was originally published in the November 2026 issue of 225 Magazine.
