News

Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County names new executive director

By News release, Published: May 9, 2013

Former Boys & Girls Club executive director Kevin Lauritsen will be returning to the helm of the Henderson County organization this summer, following the recruitment of current leader, Scottie Parks, to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America national office in Atlanta, GA.

Scottie Parks

"These are two fantastic developments for our club," said Dave Adams, president of the club's board of directors. "We are grateful to Scottie for his vision and leadership these past two years and know that this is a thrilling opportunity for him to pursue a career in the national movement. We're also delighted to welcome back Kevin Lauritsen, who is a proven leader with an established track record at the club."

Under Lauritsen's leadership from 1999-2011, the club expanded its square footage by 100 percent and club membership by 200 percent. Lauritsen's other accomplishments include the implementation of nationally acclaimed youth programming in the areas of career and education, character and leadership, and health and fitness.

"I've had a wonderful two years since I left the club in 2011, but I'm excited about this unexpected opportunity to return," Lauritsen said. "I can't wait to begin building on the successes of the past 20 years and to work again with a staff and community committed to serving young people, especially those children who need us most."

Parks, who will be working as a project director for a grant with BGCA, has a career background in finance and information technology. Prior to his tenure as the club's executive director, he served as director of operations from November 2008 until June of 2011. His previous club experience was in his twenties as assistant teen center program director during several consecutive summer sessions. Earlier still, Parks experienced the club as a member.

"I am incredibly proud of this organization, the needs that it meets in this community, and my role in our work. I will miss the club greatly, but I am committed to growing the Boys & Girls Club mission on the national level," Parks said.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to inspire and enable young people, especially those most in need, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. An all-inclusive membership to the club costs $5 per child, per year.

The club opened in 1993, serving a handful of members in a 2,000 square foot building. Last year the club accommodated over 1,500 youth, serving students from every school in the county public schools system.