Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester Salutes Outgoing Executive Director for 20 Years of Service

Mount Kisco, N.Y. - (Feb. 17, 2015) - Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (BGCNW) announced today that Executive Director Brian Skanes will leave the organization this spring. Skanes has served in his current role at the BGCNW since 1994, and celebrated his 40th year with the organization on national and local levels in 2014. Skanes will continue his career with Boys & Girls Clubs of America as Director of Major Metro Services.

As a former Boys & Girls Club member himself, Skanes has dedicated his life to the nonprofit. Over the past four decades, he has worked his way up within the organization, serving as program director, assistant executive director, regional vice president, and executive director at clubs throughout the Northeast before landing in Mount Kisco more than 20 years ago.

During his time at the BGCNW, Skanes spearheaded several successful campaigns including those that raised $7 million for the Club’s major renovation and expansion in 1997 and $4 million for program expansions in 2003. Under Skanes’ leadership, the Club’s budget quadrupled from $800,000 in 1994 to $3.2 million today, the majority raised through donations and a well-developed fundraising program. BGCNW celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2014 and currently serves more than 1,700 children yearly – between 500 to 600 daily – from 60 Northern Westchester towns.

This year, Skanes will be the recipient of the Club’s prestigious “Humanitarian of the Year” award, and will be honored at the annual Humanitarian Award Dinner June 6 at the Hilton Westchester.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless individuals throughout Westchester County,” Westchester Deputy County Executive Kevin J. Plunkett said. “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Brian on a number of initiatives over the years, and I truly respect him and his entire team for providing hope and opportunity to youth in need.”

Throughout his career, Skanes has received numerous awards from the Boys & Girls Club organization in recognition of his contributions to the profession and years of service. He has been a board member for the Association of Boys & Girls Clubs Professionals for more than 15 years, serving as chairman of the Hudson Valley Chapter. He is also former president of the New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and a distinguished member of the Academy of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

“Brian has devoted himself entirely to creating better communities and lives for children and their families,” said R. Todd Rockefeller, president of the BGCNW board of directors. “We thank him for his tireless efforts and contributions to this organization and wish him well in the future. He will always be a part of the Boys & Girls Club family.”

Honored as Citizen of the Year by the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce in 2002, Skanes is involved with various civic and professional organizations throughout the town, including the Mount Kisco Rotary Club, the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, and the President’s Board of Northern Westchester Hospital.

“I never imagined I would work in a club and stay for 20 years. I am privileged to have had the chance to help grow and develop this wonderful organization,” Skanes said. “It’s been a very rewarding career and a truly remarkable feeling to see the positive impact that the Club has had on so many lives.”

Skanes will remain with the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester through spring. BGCNW has created a board-led search committee which is looking at qualified leaders able to bring a wealth of experience and deep dedication to the role.

To learn more about BGCNW leadership opportunities, program initiatives, or upcoming events like the Humanitarian Award Dinner, please visithttp://www.bgcnw.com/ or call 914-666-8069.

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 60 Northern Westchester communities. The Club has been ranked among the outstanding Clubs in the national network of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.