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 $5 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
-
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.
-
1955
Columbus’ second Club, the Milo-Grogan Boys Club, opened on Cleveland Avenue to serve youth from the Milo-Grogan neighborhood.
-
1970’s
The Westside and Milo-Grogan Boys Clubs began allowing girls to join as official members.
-
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.
-
2008
Milo-Grogan rennovations were completed adding important amenities like air conditioning and separate program spaces for juniors and teens.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Our Impact
The positive impact the Clubs have on youth in Columbus is impossible to ignore. Great Futures Start HERE!
Our Leadership Team
-
Garry Adaway
Associate Director, Club Programs & OperationsThe world’s greatest everything.
-
Lisa Arlt
Finance DirectorDreams of being the first accountant on Dancing With the Stars.
-
Rebecca Asmo
CEOWill challenge anyone to a push-up competition.
-
Hilary Blakemore
Chief Development OfficerNever met an animal she didn’t love.
-
Ryan Brownfield
Chief Operating OfficerCurrently ranked #4 in worldwide sandwich artistry.
-
Corey Burdine
Associate Director, Programs & Club Operations
Loves to binge-watch competitive cooking shows.
-
Mallory Conlin
Executive Support SpecialistTook off a week of work to attend five One Direction concerts.
-
Daniel Custer
Director of Programs & Club OperationsWorld-renowned music playlist curator.
-
Carly Damman
Grants CoordinatorNever grows tired of running, traveling the world, and ice cream.
-
Nande Gilbert
Manager of Programs & Youth EngagementThe world's best ukulele-playing hat-maker.
-
Taylor Hallowell
Annual Giving OfficerContributed to the 2003 world record of “Longest Consecutive Line of Hershey Kisses.”
-
Jac’quese Hargrove
Senior Youth Engagement StrategistBorn and raised in Nashville, Tennessee.
-
Michaela Kim
Associate Director, Programs & Club OperationsFuture curler in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
-
Julie Kirk
Marketing & Special Events CoordinatorSlept soundly through an F3 tornado.
-
David Koeppen
Maintenance CoordinatorA jack of all trades.
-
Markeisha Mason
Associate Director, Programs & Club OperationsIs never late, just early for tomorrow.
-
Mary Miller, PhD
Director of Academic Success & Innovation60% Gryffindor, 40% Ravenclaw.
-
Elizabeth Moody
Manager of Programs & Youth EngagementLiving proof that women can enjoy math & science AND art & literature.
-
Ashley Estep
Associate Director, Programs & Club OperationsWill dominate anyone in a 3-point shooting competition.
-
Tyshayla Reed
Director of Team DevelopmentHas gorgeous feet.
-
Lacey Salas
Associate Director, Programs & Club OperationsNot in Kansas anymore.
-
Arielle Scott
Associate Director, Programs & Club OperationsDreams of living in a tiny house in the woods.
-
Ashley Shydlowski
Academic FellowCan shoot an arrow better than a basketball.
-
Kelly Simmons
Youth Engagement StrategistOriginally a hockey fan, now laces up her own skates.
-
Sonia Sprayberry
Volunteer CoordinatorMaster of impressions (except Scottish).
-
Ashly White
Manager of Programs & Youth EngagementThinks parking lines are merely suggestions.
-
Doug Wolf
Chief Strategy OfficerCan’t read his own handwriting.
-
Want to join our team? Check out our available career opportunities. Learn More
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
Safelite Auto Glass -
Phil Goldstein
Secretary
Highlights -
Jonica Armstrong
DSW Inc. -
Bob Brokaw
Fifth Third Bank -
Bryan Carson
Huntington -
Matt Gerhardt
CF Bank -
Kim Hall
Columbus State Community College -
Laurie Kamerer
L Brands -
Tani Mann
The Dispatch Printing Company -
Michael Mentel
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP -
Johnathan Northup
Bank of America -
Theresa Potter
Franklin University -
Aaron Weir
BeecherHill -
Michael Wilkins
Mount Carmel East Hospital