Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Names CEO

Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) announces the promotion of Chappaqua resident Alyzza Ozer to CEO. Ozer, an attorney who specializes in innovative nonprofit fundraising and marketing, joined BGCNW as chief development officer in the fall of 2014.

Ozer was unanimously chosen by the BGCNW board of directors to fill the position of longtime Executive Director Brian Skanes, who exited the organization after 21 years of service on April 10. Skanes will now serve as director of major metro services for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“As I transition to the Boys & Girls Club national organization, I know I am leaving our local chapter in the most capable of hands,” Skanes said.

In her short time at the BGCNW, Ozer has played a critical role in identifying key statistics regarding the Club’s impact, including the Club providing 60,000 meals and snacks to its members annually, and – for six consecutive years and counting – enabling 100 percent of its at-risk high school seniors to graduate on time and go on to college or technical school.

Since Ozer’s arrival, the Club has secured its first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) grant. Ozer has also played a pivotal role in implementing discussions with community agencies and institutions to create innovative partnering opportunities. New mentoring and volunteer programs, in addition to a community awareness initiative, are currently being developed.

“Philanthropy is a business at BGCNW,” Ozer said. “Our essential product is improving the lives of the kids in our community in an inclusive, diverse environment.”

The Club serves youth from ages 18 months to 18 years old. The Club offers a state-certified pre- school, after-school programming, including homework support, mentoring, fun activities, civic leadership development, and a full swim program.

Ozer’s unique background spans across multiple industries, including more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate and law, followed by seven years dedicated exclusively to nonprofit work.

Prior to joining BGCNW, Ozer served as senior vice president of resource development and community engagement of United Way of Westchester and Putnam and regional vice president of the Manhattan office of the American Cancer Society, where she led comprehensive fundraising and programming initiatives.

As a volunteer, Ozer has been involved in philanthropy throughout her entire life, serving on nonprofit boards and committees including the American Diabetes Association, Variety Children’s Charity, the American Cancer Society, Young Women’s Leadership School, National Education Association, Women in Need, Harlem Children’s Zone, Brotherhood/Sister Sol, New York Bar Association, and the Forte Foundation.

“In our search for executive leadership for our organization, Alyzza was the natural choice,” said R. Todd Rockefeller, president, BGCNW board of directors. “Alyzza brings many years of nonprofit experience, superior business acumen, and tremendous passion to the position; she has mastered the business of philanthropy. I am confident that the Club is well-positioned for continued success with Alyzza at the helm.”

About the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester
The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester is dedicated to its mission to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need it most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. A non-profit organization established in 1939, the Club has served more than 100,000 youth and welcomed nearly 10,000 volunteers, staff and board members over the years. Located in Mt. Kisco, NY, the Club’s 36,000-square-foot facility features an eight-lane pool, Child Care Center, gymnasium, games room, two computer labs, Teen Center, as well as a full-service kitchen serving more than 200 meals per day. The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester currently serves 1,700 boys and girls ages 18 months to 18 years, from more than 40 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.