Bill’s Blog: A Leader Rooted in Redemption: Welcoming Anthony Flynn to Covenant House Texas 

Bill’s Blog: Stories of Shelter, Stability, and Survival

Blog Nine: A Leader Rooted in Redemption: Welcoming Anthony Flynn to Covenant House Texas 

I often find myself reflecting on how each of us arrives at this work through deeply personal paths. I’ve shared in the past how my own journey to Covenant House was influenced by my family’s experience with foster care and adoption, and a providential interaction with a man experiencing homelessness on LaSalle Street in Chicago.  

Anthony Flynn, our new CEO at Covenant House Texas, says he was moved by a similar spirit of purpose and transformation to join our mission. And I’d like to introduce him to you. 

A Personal Connection to Our Mission 

When I sat down with Anthony recently, he spoke candidly about what led him to Covenant House. Anthony’s mother was just sixteen years old when she became pregnant with him. He shared that her teenage years were marked by instability, moving from place to place, seeking safety and shelter, much like the young people we serve today. 

Anthony told me, “When I heard the stories of who we serve I thought, ‘This is my mom’s story.’” 

For Anthony, this role at Covenant House Texas isn’t just a job. It’s a chance for what he calls “redemption,” an opportunity to honor the sacrifices his mother made and to create pathways for young people who, like his mom, deserve the chance to thrive.  

Leading with Excellence...and a 3 a.m. Alarm 

Anthony comes to Covenant House Texas with a remarkable background leading in nonprofit, for-profit, faith-based, and workforce development spaces. But what struck me most was his fierce commitment to excellence. 

“My alarm is set for 3 a.m. every day,” Anthony confessed, without a hint of bravado. He’s in the building by 6:30 a.m., after his workout and Bible study, ready to pour his full self into the work. For Anthony, unconditional love and absolute respect are the fuel behind his relentless drive to build the best possible future for our young people. 

“I feel that in order to exercise absolute love and respect for our youth, we have to give them our best and exemplify the life we want to see them live,” he said.  Although, he doesn’t expect anyone else to get up at 3 in the morning, it is a reflection of the structure and discipline that drives his success. 

 A New Era for Covenant House Texas 

Anthony has stepped into his leadership role at a pivotal moment for Covenant House Texas as, in May, we opened our brand-new 104,000 square foot, $55 million campus in Houston. It’s a beautiful, transformational space, but one that requires immense operational and financial stewardship, which he will lead. 

“We’ve moved into this incredible building. Now we have to figure out how to fund it, power it forward, and set ourselves up for future growth in Houston and across Texas,” he told me. 

Anthony is laser focused on implementing strong business practices and accountability systems. He is also deeply committed to building relationships. In his first few days, Anthony held meetings with his team, one-on-one sessions with every direct report, and he plans to meet every board member individually within his first 90 days. He knows that transforming systems, and lives, depends on shared trust and alignment.   

A Reminder of Why We Do This Work 

Anthony shared one story from his first month that crystallizes why he said “yes” to Covenant House.  

A young man at Covenant House Texas approached Anthony his first week on the job. The young man had heard Anthony was the new CEO and invited him to attend his high school graduation. Weeks later, Anthony watched that same young man wheel his suitcase out the door and board a Greyhound bus to go reunite with his family after years of separation. 

“That,” Anthony said, “is what I signed up for.” 

The Path Forward 

As I listened to Anthony’s vision, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for leaders who bring strategic acumen, heartfelt connection, and in Anthony’s case, an abundance of energy, to this mission. His journey is a powerful reminder that the work we do isn’t only professional. It’s personal. 

I know Anthony’s leadership will help Covenant House Texas not just maintain stability in a time of change but grow to serve even more young people with the love, respect, and relentless support they deserve. 

Welcome, Anthony. We’re so glad you’re here. 

Bill Bedrossian is president and CEO of Covenant House International. Prior to this role, Bill served as the CEO of Covenant House California since 2014, leading the site to quadruple in size in eight years. Bill’s passion for working with youth came from his parents, who have been foster parents for over 30 years and have adopted eight of his 11 siblings through the child welfare system.