#United States #Memphis #Youth Villages #Nicholas Vescovo #Cliff Reyle

Youth Villages Welcomes Nicholas Vescovo as New Chief of Staff

On June 26, 2026, Youth Villages made a significant announcement regarding its leadership structure. Nicholas "Nic" Vescovo has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff, succeeding Cliff Reyle, who is transitioning to a different role within the organization. This change comes as Youth Villages, a prominent nonprofit focused on child welfare, continues its mission to provide effective solutions for children and families in need.

Cliff Reyle has been an integral part of Youth Villages for over 36 years, taking on the role of Chief of Staff in 2021 after serving as Chief Human Resources Officer. His contribution to shaping the organization's culture and leadership strategies has been invaluable, and he will now focus on his new role as the leadership and culture development director, based in Nashville.

In announcing Vescovo's appointment, Patrick Lawler, CEO of Youth Villages, expressed profound gratitude for Reyle's service. "Cliff has played a crucial role in shaping our organization and the rich culture we have built over the last 40 years. As he moves into his new role, we are excited to have Nic step into this position and help carry forward our commitment to strong leadership and innovation, ensuring we continue to do whatever it takes to support children and families successfully."

Nicholas Vescovo joined Youth Villages last year and quickly became a trusted member of the leadership team. His collaborative approach and strategic mindset have helped advance the organization's operational objectives across its various programs. Lawler emphasized how Vescovo's leadership style and his ability to foster relationships within the organization and the community position him well for this critical role.

Vescovo, prior to joining Youth Villages, had an accomplished career in law, spending over ten years in private practice at firms such as Lewis Thomason and Baker Donelson. His legal expertise in Intellectual Property Law and Litigation has earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the Memphis Business Journal's Top 40 Under 40 in 2023 and being recognized multiple times by Super Lawyers Rising Stars and Best Lawyers Ones to Watch in America™.

He is a graduate of the University of Memphis – Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, where he served as president of the Student Bar Association and was a notes editor for the Law Review. His academic background and professional experience bring a wealth of knowledge to his new role at Youth Villages, aligning perfectly with the organization's vision for impactful child welfare solutions.

Youth Villages, recognized nationally for its contributions to mental and behavioral health, serves over 47,000 children and young adults across more than 120 locations in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The organization is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people by providing effective programs and partnerships aimed at overcoming challenges within the mental health, child welfare, and justice systems.

As Youth Villages embarks on this new chapter under Vescovo's leadership, the organization remains committed to innovation and collaboration, striving to create a positive and lasting impact in the lives of those it serves. With a strong foundation built by leaders like Reyle and a forward-looking approach under Vescovo, Youth Villages is well-positioned to continue its vital work in child welfare and to champion the needs of vulnerable children and families.

This leadership transition reflects Youth Villages' dedication to strong governance and operational excellence, ensuring that it can meet the evolving needs of the children and communities it serves.