Hicks to replace retiring CEO Kevin Deary
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County announced today the Board of Trustees has unanimously named Tami Hicks as the next Chief Executive Officer beginning December 5.
Hicks joins the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County with more than 17 years experience in the field of public education. She is currently principal at Model Elementary School in Goshen, where she led professional development, developed a social media presence for her school to increase community engagement and served on the district safety committee.
During her tenure, she worked collaboratively with her team, and in partnership with the City of Goshen, in creation of the Kid Mayor program for all fourth-grade students. In 2021, Hicks was named Indiana Elementary School Principal of the Year for District 2. Prior to being principal at Model, she was assistant principal at Goshen Middle School and an instructional coach and teacher for Goshen Community Schools.
Hicks serves on the advisory council for the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST) and is a member of the Goshen Noon Kiwanis. She said she's looking forward to getting to work with the Boys & Girls Clubs.
“This organization has been cultivated by a team of deeply passionate individuals, board members and donors that believe in the mission to help all young people. This organization consists of an extremely talented team, with a long history of incredible achievements. My goal in leading this organization is to build upon its achievements while maintaining a high level of standards to expand our impact in Elkhart County,” Hicks said.
As CEO, Hicks will replace Kevin Deary, who is retiring at the end of the year after serving in his role for 28 years. Hicks' responsibilities will include leading the organization’s strategic direction, oversight of organizational operations, financials, programming, brand reputation, talent recruitment, resource development and stakeholder relationships. The CEO also serves as the organization’s primary ambassador and lead communicator.
"We are very excited to bring Tami on board as our new CEO. Her skills in executive leadership, relationship building and strategic development will serve the club well in years to come," said Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Toni Pauls. "Tami is a high energy leader with a passion for kids and teens and she will engage that passion to serve our clubs and community."
"Because of her growth as an administrator, I believe she is an excellent choice to lead the Boys & Girls Club now, and into the future," said Goshen Community School Superintendent Steven Hope. "While GCS certainly hates to lose her, we appreciate that her work will continue to have a positive impact on the children in our community."
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County began operations in 1956. The Clubs offer programming and service opportunities for children & teens to reach their full potential within the community. Each day, the Clubs provide powerful relationships with the youth they serve and open avenues of opportunity for young people across their community by offering safe places where young people can learn, grow and succeed.
