Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
October 21, 2025
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (VOACC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Yasha Robinson, MSW, as our new Chief Operating Officer, effective October 6, 2025.
A native of Washington, D.C., Yasha brings more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in both government and nonprofit sectors. Known for her ability to align strategies with operations and build high-performing, inclusive teams, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity, strengthening systems, and improving community outcomes.
Most recently, Yasha served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief of Staff for the District of Columbia’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. In that role, she rebuilt agency infrastructure, managed a $30 million budget, and advanced citywide violence prevention and community-based programs.
Her public service experience also includes senior leadership positions at the DC Department of Employment Services, where she oversaw a $260 million operating budget and implemented fiscal and compliance reforms that improved accountability and effectiveness.
Yasha’s leadership reflects a deep belief in whole-person care and mission-driven operations that serve people with dignity and compassion. She holds a Master of Social Work from Howard University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hampton University, and professional certificates in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Public Management. She is also a graduate of the George Washington University Executive Leadership Program.
Her professional affiliations include serving on the Board of Directors for the Government Finance Officers Association, where she chaired the Education Committee. A proud lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Yasha is committed to service, leadership, and social action.
“I am honored to join Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas at such a pivotal moment in its journey. VOACC’s unwavering commitment to equity and whole-person care deeply reflects my own values and leadership philosophy. I look forward to partnering with the leadership, the Board of Directors, and our dedicated teams to strengthen operations, enhance collaboration, and drive measurable impact for the individuals and communities we serve. Together, we will build on VOACC’s powerful legacy of service to create sustainable systems that ensure every person has the opportunity to succeed.”
– Yasha Robinson, MSW, Chief Operating Officer
Outside of her professional life, Yasha and her husband, Nigel, enjoy spending time with their energetic eight-year-old Yorkie, Nasir (“Nas”), who brings laughter and love to their home.
Yasha will work closely with VOACC’s leadership teams to strengthen operations, enhance collaboration, and continue building a culture of excellence rooted in faith and service.
About Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (“VOACC”) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope through housing, health and human services.
At VOACC, we have been helping to create Healthy Communities for All for over 129 years by aligning housing, health and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are experiencing homelessness, low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved and veterans. By offering integrated housing and care, we address the social determinants that impact the long-term stability for those in need.
Through a dedicated team of management, staff and volunteers who are guided by our Core Values – Visionary, One Body, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Faith – we are the safety net for thousands of men, women and children each year across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the Carolinas. We operate over 49 programs focused on 8 areas of service: homeless services, affordable housing, mental health, substance use recovery, intellectual/developmental disabilities services, community re-entry, veteran services and workforce development.
VOACC has over 500 staff members and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization helps over 9,675 individuals and families every year from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and the Carolinas. For more information on VOACC, please visit www.voachesapeake.org.