In addition to his leadership role as Chief of Staff, Hughes fills the vacant position as Interim Chief of Educational Services. Mr. Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in therapy. He has been a classroom teacher and most recently oversaw compliance for schools across three states. Hughes’ 30-year career has focused on serving at-risk youth and children with intellectual disabilities.

He brings this experience in education, training, and compliance, as well a clear focus on developing and measuring quality systems, to the new strategic plan and vision set forth by The Children’s Guild Board of Directors and CEO Jenny Livelli, emphasizing effective, efficient, and quality operations across all Guild service areas. Hughes’s expertise positively impacts The Children’s Guild operations as Chief of Staff as he focuses on creating and supporting quality operations across the entire organization, and provides steady leadership as The Guild completes a thoughtful search for a new CES.

Hughes comes to the Guild following a career at Youth Villages, a non‑profit organization providing treatment programs for troubled youth in Memphis, Tennessee. He completed a tenure that included several impactful roles. In addition to serving as the Managing Director of Compliance and Performance Improvement, Hughes has held several other positions at Youth Villages, including Assistant Director of PI and Interim Director of Memphis Boys Town, a residential treatment program. Hughes also served as a Recreation Therapy Supervisor, where he planned and facilitated experiential learning for young people with conduct disorder problems, sex offenders, and mentally challenged children.