On Tuesday, February 20th during Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County’s monthly board meeting, the organization welcomed Dr. Kevin Perry as the new Board Chair, succeeding Leslie Kristof, who served admirably for two terms, totaling in four impactful years. The transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it embarks on a new chapter under Dr. Perry’s leadership.

“We have a long history of having a passionate, dedicated board filled with individuals that keep our organization’s mission at the forefront of what we do,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County’s CEO, Will Armstead. “I cannot speak highly enough about the impact that Leslie Kristof had, and am excited for Dr. Perry to pick up where she left off.” 

During Leslie Kristof’s tenure, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County experienced significant growth and development. Notably, the organization expanded its Club sites to include high schools for the first time, demonstrating a commitment to reaching and serving a broader spectrum of youth within St. Lucie County. Moreover, under Kristof’s guidance, membership numbers soared to include over 5,300 members in 25 Clubs, and the organization ventured into new program areas, enriching the experiences offered to its members.

A key highlight of Leslie Kristof’s leadership was a greater emphasis on strategic planning to ensure the organization is meeting the expectations of its three pillars: world-class Clubs, life-enriching programs, and workforce readiness. Recognizing the importance of preparing youth for the challenges of the modern workforce, Kristof spearheaded efforts to equip teens with essential skills and resources, setting our entire community up for future success.

As the baton passes from Leslie Kristof to Dr. Kevin Perry, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County excitedly anticipate Dr. Perry’s vision and strategic plan for the organization’s continued advancement. Dr. Perry brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role, currently serving as the assistant to the superintendent, Dr. Jon Prince, at St. Lucie Public Schools.

Dr. Perry’s background in education initiatives and academic success programs aligns seamlessly with the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County, further enhancing the organization’s capacity to empower youth and foster their development. Moreover, Dr. Perry’s understanding of the strong partnership between schools and Boys & Girls Clubs positions him well to cultivate collaborative efforts that benefit St. Lucie County.

As Dr. Perry assumes the position as Board Chair, he does so with influential officers at his side. Taylor Hoskins from Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has been appointed the Board’s Chair Elect, Cecilia Jaimes from SouthState Bank has been named the Board Vice President, Jay McBee will continue serving as the Board Treasurer as he has for over 20 years, and Mike Lafreniere will continue serving as the Board Secretary. 

With a commitment from both the Board of Directors and the passionate team at Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County to building upon past successes and embracing new opportunities, this new era of Board leadership will undoubtedly lead the organization towards even greater achievements in the years to come.