Jacoby to Retire as Boys & Girls Club CEO
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Chris Jacoby, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires, has announced his retirement effective July 1.
Jacoby has served as CEO since March 2015. A search will begin shortly for a new long-term CEO to take the club into the future.
"It has been an honor to serve as CEO for our Boys and Girls Club. Working closely with staff and volunteers, it has become apparent to me, more than ever, how important this organization is to our youth, their futures, and the future of our community," said Jacoby. "When I took over as CEO, my goal was to re-establish the community's confidence in our organization and put us back on track for serving the needs of our youth. With the help of our outstanding staff and a supportive community of volunteers, I feel I have accomplished what I set out to do."
"The board expresses its tremendous gratitude to Mr. Jacoby for his leadership, vision, and commitment,” said Cynthia A. Spinola, Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires board president. "He has impacted the lives of countless youth and their families by initiating STEM activities, the Triple Play Food Program and other programming that helps children graduate from high school with a plan for the future, while developing healthy lifestyles, leadership, good citizenship, and strong character qualities.
"Under Chris's leadership the Club has increased its enrollment and developed vital partnerships with the community, business and educational institutions of Berkshire County. He has spear-headed renewed focus on resource development and fundraising to ensure that the Club has the financial fortitude to serve our youth for generations to come."
Other accomplishments during Jacoby’s tenure at the club include:
· Re-establishing strong ties to United Way, the Rotary Club, and YMCA.
· Developing a strong relationship with state Alliance and national Boys & Girls Club associations.
· Collaborating with the Pittsfield Police Department to offer their popular Ropes Course to youth as part of the Club’s Camp Russell activities.
· Conducting a successful fundraising campaign to replace the club’s outdated ice rink resurfacer, adding a new tractor for camp maintenance, and LED lighting improvements throughout the Melville St. facility.
· Establishing a "first of its kind" Transition Program for high school special needs students, in collaboration with the Pittsfield Public Schools.
"Chris brought stability, sound judgment, and a steady focus to the club, grounded in his knowledge of the community," said Board Member Bill Cameron.
Jacoby retired from the Pittsfield Public School system in July 2014 after 33 years as an educator. He was the principal of the Theodore Herberg Middle School from 2001-2014 and held positions as a teacher and a coach. Before becoming CEO of the Boys & Girls Club, Jacoby served the club for years as coach, referee, board member, and member of the Boys & Girls Club of the Berkshires Alumni Association.
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