columns Chairman’s Report
SALUTING A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER
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or the last 15 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has had the great fortune to be led by an individual who exemplifies the very word “leadership” and embodies the spirit of a vast, far-reaching Movement – Roxanne Spillett. By now, you all know that Roxanne will conclude her illustrious term as president and CEO at the end of the year. While that tenure is drawing to a close, her legacy will continue to positively impact generations of children for decades to come. Emil J. Brolick
This is a monumental time in our history. Throughout the century-long existence of the national organization, there have been just 10 leaders to stand at the head of this Movement. With Roxanne at the helm, we have benefitted from leadership that has impacted the Boys & Girls Club Movement and the youth we serve as much as anyone. It’s no exaggeration to say that the face of our Movement was changed during Roxanne’s tenure. From building an elite board, to leading our most effective national marketing efforts ever, to exponentially expanding our reach and impact, to advancing our powerful partnership with every branch of the U.S. Armed Services, she has championed one ground-breaking initiative after another. It is only fitting that we, in these pages, pay tribute to a visionary leader who has touched so many lives in so many ways.
CATALYST FOR ROBUST GROWTH Roxanne began her pioneering work for the Movement as director of a national health project in 1978. Later, as vice president of the Northeast region, she oversaw the opening of 44 Clubs and raised $44 million in just two years. She went on to serve as senior vice president of Program Services, and was appointed president in 1996. 14
FALL/WINTER 2011/12
As chief executive, Roxanne has guided significant program initiatives in education, technology and civic engagement. Personally, I have been honored to experience firsthand how Roxanne’s leadership galvanized our governing body into one of the most engaged nonprofit boards in America. She has built a rock-solid financial foundation and strengthened the Boys & Girls Club brand, now recognized as one of the top 10 nonprofit brands in America. Under Roxanne’s leadership, we have grown from 1,800 Clubs to 4,000, and from $438 million in annual revenues to $1.5 billion. During her service as president and CEO, more than $1.3 billion was generated by BGCA for our Clubs. At the very beginning of Roxanne’s tenure in 1996, BGCA received our first-ever Congressional appropriation. Later, the creation of state alliances enabled Clubs to secure funds from new and diverse sources – more than $587 million and counting. These are true triumphs for Boys & Girls Clubs!