Joni Lombardo Named New Chair of Challenge Unlimited Board of Directors

ALTON – Challenge Unlimited, Inc. proudly announces the appointment of Joni Lombardo as Chair of the Board of Directors, effective September 15, 2025. Her appointment follows a unanimous vote by the Board, succeeding Tom Morrissey, who served with distinction as Chair for ten years and will continue to support the organization in an advisory capacity as an active board member. In addition to her new role, Lombardo also serves as Vice Chair for Project CU, a Challenge Unlimited affiliate organization, further demonstrating her deep commitment to the organization's mission and its affiliated initiatives.

Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities is rooted in personal family experiences and a lifelong dedication to inclusion. This commitment extends beyond her professional life, as she actively supports a range of nonprofit organizations, including Love the Lou, KidSmart, the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), and Dogs for Our Brave. When she’s not championing causes close to her heart, Lombardo enjoys spending quality time outdoors—hiking, floating, and landscaping with her family.

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A dynamic leader with over 15 years of experience in the retail industry, Lombardo currently serves as District Manager for Citi Trends. Her career includes leading multi-unit portfolios at Starbucks, Teavana, and Victoria’s Secret, where she built a proven record in operations, sales excellence, and leadership development. An Air Force veteran, Lombardo brings a strategic approach to team growth and organizational success, paired with a strong commitment to community engagement.

“Joni brings incredible energy, expertise, and compassion to our mission,” said Charlotte Hammond, President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited. “Her leadership experience and personal dedication to inclusion make her an exceptional choice to guide Challenge Unlimited into its next chapter.”

About Challenge Unlimited, Inc. For more than 60 years, Challenge Unlimited has operated as a social enterprise dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The organization has established a reputation as a trusted business partner for private companies, as well as federal and state agencies, while empowering people of all abilities through meaningful employment. As an accredited Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) provider, Challenge Unlimited fulfills its mission through employment programs and services, skills training centers, and community-integrated living options.

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