Boys & Girls Clubs of America Names New President and CEO

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Jun 16, 2011, 03:20 ET

ATLANTA, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has named James Clark to serve as the national youth organization's president and CEO, effective January 2, 2012. He will succeed Roxanne Spillett, who has announced her retirement after 32 years with the organization.

Clark, 49, has served for nearly eight years as president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, where the organization expanded its number of service locations from 23 to 40, launched successful program initiatives in literacy, teen outreach and college preparation, and achieved seven consecutive years of revenue growth under his leadership.

"We are delighted to have found a strong leader with the exceptional qualities and experience that Jim Clark possesses," said Emil Brolick, chairman of the Board of Governors of BGCA. "Finding someone to follow a true 'legacy leader' like Roxanne Spillett required an arduous and thorough process. Two important criteria emerged: successful experience leading a large, complex organization, and demonstrated commitment and passion for the Boys & Girls Club mission. In Jim, we are fortunate to have found such a person. We look forward with confidence to a great future under Jim's leadership."

During her 16 years as president and CEO of BGCA, Spillett led a major transformation that doubled the organization's size and scope, tripled its revenues, and deepened its impact. The number of Clubs expanded from 1,800 to 4,000 locations, and annual network-wide revenues grew from $438 million to $1.5 billion. She spearheaded outreach to young people in public housing, on Native American lands, and on U.S. military installations across the globe. She guided significant program initiatives in education, technology, and civic engagement. During Spillett's tenure, some $1.3 billion was generated by BGCA for local Clubs. She strengthened the Boys & Girls Clubs brand, which is now recognized as one of the top 10 nonprofit brands in America.

"Millions of youth development professionals, board volunteers, donors, national leaders and Club members have been touched by Roxanne's vision, passion and dedication," said Brolick. "The Board of Governors is deeply grateful to Roxanne for her unprecedented leadership and the profound legacy she has created through many significant accomplishments during her more than three decades of service to BGCA."

"During my years on the board of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, I never failed to be impressed by the thoughtful, strategic leadership demonstrated by Roxanne Spillett," said General Colin Powell, a member of the BGCA Board of Governors from 1996 to 1999. "Her relentless drive, discipline and determination to make this world a better place for our young people, especially those most at risk and in need, is the key reason why Boys & Girls Clubs are such a force in youth development today. I salute Roxanne for her amazing contributions and dedication to the youth of America."

Spillett and Clark will work closely together during a three-month transition period beginning in January 2012. Later in 2012, Spillett will continue to work on special projects for the organization on a part-time basis, Brolick said.

"It is a tremendous privilege to have this opportunity to lead what I believe is the finest youth development system in the world," said Clark. "As the leader of a local affiliate for almost eight years, and having served in a volunteer capacity for 10 years before that, I can tell you that all of us in Boys & Girls Clubs stand on the shoulders of Roxanne Spillett and her remarkable dedication over three decades. I am indebted to Roxanne for the support she has given me over the years and am honored to succeed her at this critical time in our organization's history."

Clark will become the ninth chief executive to lead the national Boys & Girls Club organization in its 105-year history. Spillett was the first female to hold the top leadership post.

"Our board began an extensive succession planning process in 2008, with the development of a Talent Development Task Force," said Spillett. "They identified and assessed a wide range of candidates from diverse backgrounds, from both within and outside of the Boys & Girls Club field. Jim Clark is the right choice at the right time to lead us forward in the important and challenging work that lies ahead. He is an exceptional individual and leader."

BGCA has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan that emphasizes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Outcome measurement and assessment is a critical component of the plan. Brolick said Clark has a proven track record of success at program implementation and measurement at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee.

"Under Jim's leadership, the Milwaukee organization's literacy initiative was so effective that the U.S. Department of Education made a $4.1 million grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Milwaukee to take the program to a broader scale," said Brolick. "This support is indicative of the vision, tenacity, and results-oriented leadership that Jim will bring to BGCA."

Clark, his wife, Samantha, and two sons will relocate to Atlanta, where BGCA's national headquarters office is located.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, nearly 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs serve some 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country and on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America