CEO Brandy Harris awarded "Executive of the Year"

On Wednesday, May 3, Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield CEO Brandy Harris was named Executive of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Professional Association, a prestigious award given to one executive within the Club nationally each year.

"I'm beyond thankful and honored to be receiving this recognition," Harris said. "You can't win Executive of the Year without an incredible team working alongside you. We have 120 staff members who are irrationally passionate about making the world a better place for the kids. We have an active board that shows up for our mission. I'm so thankful that I get to do meaningful work and that BGCA and my peers chose to recognize me and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield!"

The title was awarded during the 117th Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Conference. The Executive of the Year Award is presented each year to a BGCA Professional Association member who has made significant impacts on their local club, the work of their profession and on other professionals in the movement locally, regionally and nationally.

"In a short 9 years, [Brandy] has moved from being an outstanding Youth Development Professional to an exceptional and successful CEO," the BGCA Professional Association wrote in a press release.

During her tenure as Chief Executive Officer at BGCS, Harris has overseen over 100 full- and part-time staff serving over 2,000 youth through year-round programs at eight locations, with four of those locations added in the past three years. Harris has also been a leader in obtaining resources for the Club to build infrastructure better suited to supporting the life-changing programs BGCS is able to offer to under-privileged youth.

Harris was previously awarded Boys & Girls Clubs of America Midwest Executive of the Year in 2022.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Club offers daily access to a broad range of programs in six core program areas: The Arts; Education; Workforce Readiness; Character & Leadership; Health & Wellness; and Sports & Recreation, giving the youth of our community the proper tools they need to become successful students and citizens is an important part of our mission. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provides program opportunities to over 13,000 local youth each year. Parents interested in having their children join the Club and learn more about its youth programs can contact the organization at 417.862.9249 or visit www.bgclubspringfield.org.