Gena Lovett is a bold and innovative leader who is deeply committed to the mission of the Junior Leagues. Her impactful contributions to community leadership and her robust background in finance empower her to tackle complex challenges with confidence and effectiveness. 

Since 2021, Gena has been an exceptional Treasurer of The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI), chaired the Finance & Audit Committees and serves on the Executive Committee. Under her leadership, a deficit budget was turned into a surplus, and a dues increase has been postponed  for six years. In 2022, she shared her executive recruitment experience doing  the CEO Search Committee and contributed to the revised financial reporting requirements on the League Operational Policy Committee. Gena’s AJLI service began on the Nominating Committee, which was followed by the Board of Directors where she helped redefine the Vision Statement.  

Gena began her journey with the New York Junior League (NYJL) in 1995, where she initiated a partnership between NYJL and NYC Department of Parks and Recreation during her provisional placement. Her advocacy skills include Chair of the New York State Public Policy Committee (NYSPAC). As Finance Manager and Treasurer, Gena’s business acumen substantially benefited NYJL. As President, she introduced a new governance structure, Board of Directors and Management Council while transforming a significant budget deficit into a surplus. Throughout her tenure at NYJL, Gena contributed to various committees, including Audit, Nominating, Investment, Ethics Chair, and Advisor to the Board’s DEI Workgroup. Now a Sustainer, Gena continues to exemplify dedication and leadership in support of NYJL’s mission as Chair of Community Advisory Council. 

In her community, Gena has held notable positions such as President and/or Treasurer of four key organizations, and a Board member of several other organizations. She also is a Audit and Investment Committee member at Abyssinian Baptist Church. Gena is a member of 100 Women in Finance. 

Gena has received numerous awards and honors, including NYJL Outstanding Sustainer and Volunteer Awards, New York Women’s Agenda Rising Star, NYU Alumni Professional and Public Services, and the Women’s Prison Association. She has been featured on the cover of Forbes Executive Woman magazine, and in the documentary “NYC Women: Make it Here, Make it Happen.” 

Gena brings over twenty years of financial services experience including as a longtime Partner and COO at a hedge fund. As the Founder and Managing Partner of Little Wolf Capital and Consulting, she specializes in building strategic partnerships and provides operational and CFO service. 

Gena earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Philander Smith College and Diploma in Financial Management from NYU SCPS. 

Gena’s unwavering dedication has been a powerful catalyst for positive change within the Junior League and beyond. Her talent for overcoming obstacles, combined with her strategic foresight, has earned her respect from both peers and community leaders.  Gena advocates for initiatives that empower women and promote financial stability. Under her leadership, the Junior League is poised to flourish and redefine standards for community and civic engagement.