SBP Announces Key Leadership Appointments: Reese May Named Chief Operating Officer; Lauren A.K. Darnell Joins as Chief of Staff

SBP announces two key leadership appointments. Reese May has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer, after previously serving as Chief of Innovation and Strategy, and Lauren A.K. Darnell has joined SBP as Chief of Staff. Both report to Chief Executive Officer Carol Markowitz and serve on SBP’s Senior Leadership Team.

As Chief Operating Officer, May leads all of SBP’s operations and programs focused on increasing readiness and resilience before disasters happen and streamlining rebuilding and long-term recovery. A two-time U.S. Marine combat veteran, he brings more than 14 years of experience in disaster resilience, community recovery, and systems change.

Since joining SBP in 2011, May has played a central role in shaping the organization’s strategy, innovation, and government advisory work. His leadership has driven critical policy and partnership efforts to strengthen local capacity before and after disasters. 

A FEMA Vanguard Executive and member of the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Task Force on Reforming Disaster Response and Recovery, May has testified before Congress on ensuring fairness in disaster recovery and regularly advises government leaders on reducing risk and improving recovery systems nationwide.

A native of Mississippi, husband, and father, May draws on his lived experience growing up in the storm-prone Gulf South, remaining deeply committed to turning hard-earned lessons into lasting solutions for communities across the country.

Darnell is an accomplished executive with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, partnership development, and organizational strategy. She served as Executive Director of the Made in New Orleans Foundation for seven years, and more recently as Program Director of Love Your City, where she advanced inclusion initiatives, developed transformative programs, and secured sustainable funding.

In 2023, she founded Porch & Okra Consulting, advising mission-driven organizations on inclusive leadership, strategic planning, and workplace culture. Darnell’s leadership and advocacy have earned national recognition, including honors from Essence, New Orleans Magazine, and the James Beard Foundation for her contributions to community and organizational impact.

Born in Lafayette and raised in New Orleans, Darnell draws inspiration from her family’s legacy of resilience and innovation. She studied at Pepperdine University and the University of New Orleans, and remains deeply committed to fostering resilience and community in every role she undertakes.

“Lauren and Reese each bring exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to SBP’s mission,” said Carol Markowitz, CEO of SBP. “Lauren’s deep experience in organizational strategy, combined with Reese’s long-standing commitment to advancing resilience and recovery nationwide, will be instrumental as we continue to grow our impact.”