Calvin Lyons Is New President, CEO Of Boys & Girls Clubs Of King County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, a nonprofit focused on youth development for King County kids and teens, today announced that Calvin Lyons has been selected as the organization’s new president & chief executive officer.

“We are very pleased to welcome Calvin to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County,” said Erika Schmidt, APR, Board Chair of the organization. “Based on Calvin’s extensive nonprofit background and his passion for fulfilling our mission to serve youth, we are confident in his ability to build our success into the future.”

The Mercer Island Boys & Girls club, which opened its new PEAK facility in 2010 after the community raised $14.5 million, is one of 14 clubs and 22 before- and after-school program sites in the Puget Sound region that Lyons will serve. Lyons’ role as president & CEO is effective immediately.

As a Boys & Girls Club alumnus from Gary, Indiana, Lyons has firsthand experience with the organization’s mission to serve youth. His childhood experience translated into a career of leadership in business and nonprofits focusing on youth development.

“I am honored to take on this new role and lead an organization that is so dear to my heart,” said Lyons. “This organization has a long history as a community resource that has helped to improve countless lives. I’m proud to help advance its important cause, provide a clear vision for the future and move it forward.”

Lyons will be introduced to the public at the BGCKC’s annual KidsBreakfast on April 4 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel. For more information on the event or to reserve a space, call 206-436-1819 or email beglin@positiveplace.org.

While the financial crisis of 2008 forced the closing of many clubs across the country, the King County clubs continued to provide award-winning programs on tight budgets while staying true to the mission to create a positive place for kids that are in need. In his new position, Lyons will build on what the organization has already achieved and will lead the group toward a brighter, more secure future.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of King County reaches deep into the lives of those it serves. Its youth development programming focuses around three core pillars: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character & citizenship. Lyons will help the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County provide these services to the clubs it supports in the following locations: Mercer Island; Renton/Skyway; Bainbridge Island; Ballard; Federal Way;, Federal Way EX3 Teen Center; Kirkland; North Seattle; the Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse and Teen Center at Rainier Vista; Redmond; Sammamish EX3 Teen Center, powered by Microsoft; Rotary; Southwest; and Wallingford.

Lyons’ experience before joining the organization includes nonprofit work as the director of partnerships at the Talaris Institute, a foundation that helps parents raise socially and emotionally healthy children. Lyons was also executive director of Rainier Scholars and worked with INROADS. Both nonprofits aim to assist and cultivate minority scholars for business, industry and community leadership.

Lyons has also worked in the private sector in both diversity and senior human resources roles at Washington Mutual and The Boeing Company. Supported by a college career that includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University and completion of the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University, he has built a career path that includes extensive volunteer and board service.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of King Count:

Boys & Girls Clubs of King County works to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. With 14 full-service Clubs and 22 before- and-after-school program sites, the organization is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, serving more than 15,000 members annually and serving more than 29,000 total youth. Program areas offered include character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, computer training and sports/fitness/recreation opportunities. For more information, visit www.positiveplace.org.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.