SALEM, Va. (September 29, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Trent Staton as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer (CSIO). In this role, Staton will oversee the organization’s comprehensive development efforts, including fundraising, marketing and communications, business development, strategic partnership development, referral networks, and grant writing. He will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, driving strategic initiatives that strengthen HopeTree’s visibility, impact, and long-term growth.

Staton brings more than 12 years of nonprofit leadership experience to HopeTree, with expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, program expansion, and organizational growth. Most recently, he served as Director of Business Development at Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, where he led statewide partnership development, community relations, and sustainability strategies for new and existing services. Previously, he held leadership positions at Family Preservation Services of Virginia, overseeing operations across multiple Virginia regions.

Throughout his career, Staton has developed strategies that generated significant revenue growth, secured major partnerships, and advanced innovative services in child welfare, mental health, and family support. His leadership is based on a servant leadership model that values collaboration, being data-informed, and mission-driven, with a “no ego” policy that puts the needs of the community first in all things.

“My life’s calling is to help children, youth, and families experience stability and hope,” said Staton. “I was a youth who would have greatly benefited from support and services, especially from a faith-related organization, so this work is very personal for me.” Staton believes that when human service organizations and communities come together with intention and shared purpose, “together we can co-create spaces of healing that break the cycles of trauma and hardships that many experience, providing generational well-being that changes lives. HopeTree’s mission reflects that vision, and I am grateful to join in this work.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Trent Staton back to Virginia and to HopeTree Family Services as our first Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer,” Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree, stated. “Trent’s business acumen, his proven track record in nonprofit leadership, and his commitment to servant leadership will be invaluable as we advance our mission and expand our impact across Virginia. We are excited to have his vision, energy, and passion to help us create new opportunities for healing, growth, and hope for the communities we serve.”

Staton is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and holds a Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate. He is completing his Master of Business Administration at Longwood University in October 2025 and earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Staton has also served as a community leader with the Children’s Alliance in Charlotte, N.C., and as an advocate for early childhood mental health and men’s mental health.