About Us

Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus gives young people the support, guidance, tools, and skills to succeed in life. We provide comprehensive, affordable afterschool and summer programming for youth ages 6 through 18. Membership costs just $10 per child per year and entitles youth to unlimited Club access. It is a place where great futures are started each and every day

Our History

  1. 1948

    The Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, then called the Westside Boys Club, was founded to give boys from the Franklinton and Hilltop communities a safe alternative to hanging out on the streets.

  2. 1955

    Columbus’ second Club, the Milo-Grogan Boys Club, opened on Cleveland Avenue to serve youth from the Milo-Grogan neighborhood.

  3. 1970’s

    The Westside and Milo-Grogan Boys Clubs began allowing girls to join as official members.

  4. 1990

    The organization officially changed its name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus. 1990 also marked the completions of the Westside Club renovation creating a 12,000-square-foot teen center.

  5. 2008

    Milo-Grogan rennovations were completed adding important amenities like air conditioning and separate program spaces for juniors and teens.

  6. 2010

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus entered into a partnership with KIPP Journey Academy to serve an additional 200 youth at the KIPP-Connect Boys & Girls Club.

  7. 2013

    The Ohio Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs received a state grant allowing Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus to open the R.I.S.E. and South Side Boys & Girls Clubs.

  8. 2014

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus partnered with Homeport Ohio to open the Pheasant Run Club and Metro Early College Middle School to open the UA/Metro Club.

  9. 2016

    The Westside Boys & Girls Club relocated from Franklinton to the Hilltop neighborhood to better serve youth and was renamed the J. Ashburn Jr. Club.

  1. 1948
  2. 1955
  3. 1970’s
  4. 1990
  5. 2008
  6. 2010
  7. 2013
  8. 2014
  9. 2016

Our Impact

The positive impact the Clubs have on youth in Columbus is impossible to ignore. Great Futures Start HERE!

  • Older teens with an optimal Club experience are 40% more likely to be on-track to graduate from high school.

  • In 2017, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus served over 5,900 youth.

  • 54% of alumni said the Club saved their life.

  • Graduating Club members are twice as likely to be interested in STEM careers than their peers nationally.

  • $1 invested in Boys & Girls Clubs equates to $9.60 in economic benefits to the individual and society.

Our Leadership Team

  • Garry Adaway Associate Director, Club Programs & Operations

    The world’s greatest everything.

  • Rebecca Asmo CEO

    Will challenge anyone to a push-up competition.

  • Ryan Brownfield Chief Operating Officer

    Currently ranked #4 in worldwide sandwich artistry.

  • Mallory Conlin Executive Support Specialist

    Took off a week of work to attend five One Direction concerts.

  • Carly Damman Grants Manager

    Never grows tired of running, traveling the world, and ice cream.

  • Nande Gilbert Manager of Programs & Youth Engagement

    The world's best ukulele-playing hat-maker.

  • Jac’quese Hargrove Area Director, Teen Programming

    Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • Julie Kirk Marketing & Special Events Coordinator

    Obsessed with a cappella, but can't carry a tune.

  • David Koeppen Maintenance Coordinator

    A jack of all trades.

  • Markeisha Mason Associate Director, Programs & Club Operations

    Is never late, just early for tomorrow.

  • Elizabeth Moody Manager of Programs & Youth Engagement

    Living proof that women can enjoy math & science AND art & literature.

  • Lacey Salas Area Director, School Programming

    Not in Kansas anymore.

  • Arielle Scott Area Director, Traditional Sites

    Dreams of living in a tiny house in the woods.

  • Ashley Shydlowski Academic Fellow

    Can shoot an arrow better than a basketball.

  • Sonia Sprayberry Volunteer Coordinator

    Master of impressions (except Scottish).

  • Ashly White Manager of Programs & Youth Engagement

    Thinks parking lines are merely suggestions.

  • Doug Wolf Chief Strategy Officer

    Can’t read his own handwriting.

  • Want to join our team?
    Check out our available career opportunities.
    Learn More

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Board of Directors

  • Sandra Rich President Nationwide

  • Randy Dupler Immediate Past President Dupler Office

  • Steve Weis 1st Vice President Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

  • Mike Schott 2nd Vice President Harold C. Schott Foundation

  • Randy Randolph Treasurer

  • Phil Goldstein Secretary

  • Jonica Armstrong DSW Inc.

  • Bob Brokaw Fifth Third Bank

  • Bryan Carson Huntington

  • Chad Flowers Safelite

  • Matt Gerhardt Associated Bank

  • Laurie Kamerer L Brands

  • Tani Mann The Dispatch Printing Company

  • Johnathan Northup Huntington

  • Aaron Weir Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter