Rainsville, AL— Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama (CAANEAL) is excited to announce Mr. Luke Laney as the agency’s new Executive Director, following the retirement of Carrie Lea, who has served in the role for the past four years. Laney brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission of helping individuals and families across Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, and St. Clair counties achieve self-sufficiency.

Laney has been an integral part of CAANEAL for the past four years, having served as Housing Services Director and Chief Operations Officer. In these roles, he led essential programs such as the Weatherization Program, which helps improve the energy efficiency of homes for low-income families in the region. Luke’s background in housing services and operations management, combined with his passion for community service, makes him well-suited to lead CAANEAL into the future.

“I am honored and excited to take on this new role,” said Luke Laney. “I have seen firsthand the tremendous impact that CAANEAL has on the lives of people in our community, and I am committed to building on the strong foundation that Carrie Lea and the team have created. Together, we will continue to expand and strengthen our services to meet the needs of the families we serve across Northeast Alabama.”

Carrie Lea, who is retiring after 24 years with the agency, leaves behind an impressive legacy. As Executive Director for the past four years, she worked tirelessly to improve and expand CAANEAL’s programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and GROW Program. These programs provide critical support for families struggling with utility bills and assist individuals in overcoming barriers to self-sufficiency.

“Carrie has been an incredible leader, and her dedication to the mission of CAANEAL has been truly inspiring,” said Laney. “Her leadership has helped our agency grow and better serve our communities. We wish her all the best as she begins this new chapter in her life.”

CAANEAL provides a wide range of services designed to assist individuals and families in need. The agency’s mission is to help people break the cycle of poverty and move toward greater independence. Looking ahead, Luke Laney’s leadership will guide CAANEAL as it continues its work to improve the quality of life for residents across its seven-county service area.

About Community Action Agency of Northeast Alabama: CAANEAL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty. CAANEAL offers a variety of services, including energy assistance, housing programs, financial education, and more, to help individuals in Blount, Cherokee, DeKalb, Jackson, Jefferson, Marshall, and St. Clair counties. For more information about the agency and its programs, please visit www.caaneal.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.