Shivonnia "Shay" Dickson serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Covenant House Illinois, where she oversees agency operations, facilities, human resources, compliance, and organizational systems that support the organization's mission to serve young adults experiencing homelessness.

Shay brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with a strong background in operational strategy, program oversight, and financial stewardship. Prior to joining Covenant House Illinois, she spent over a decade at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, most recently as Vice President of the Mothers & Families Impact Area. In that role, she led large, multi-site teams and oversaw a diverse portfolio of maternal and child health programs, WIC Food and Nutrition Centers operations, and federally- and state-funded initiatives.

Throughout her career, Shay has been recognized for strengthening operations, building sustainable systems, and guiding teams through growth and change - all while centering equity, accountability, and care. Her leadership approach emphasizes collaboration, transparency, and creating environments where staff can thrive and communities are better served.

Shay is deeply committed to advancing Covenant House Illinois's mission by ensuring that programs are supported by strong infrastructure, thoughtful leadership, and a culture grounded in dignity, respect, and opportunity for every young person served.