Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH) has appointed Bruce W. Jeffery to serve as its new CEO. He succeeds Samuel Gray, Jr. who left the organization in August following a promotion to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Jeffery has a proven leadership record and a deep passion for youth development. He most recently served as chief development officer for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. Under his leadership, that organization serves more than 16,000 youth in the Greater Cincinnati region. Additionally, Jeffery led the creation of the Carl H. Lindner Impact Center, the acquisition of the Music Resource Center and the relocation of the Y’s downtown Early Learning Center to a new site.
Jeffery’s appointment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford marks a return to the Boys & Girls Club Movement, having previously served as the executive director of the Decatur, Illinois, Boys & Girls Club. During his time in Decatur, Jeffery raised significant funds, enhanced operational efficiency and led an initiative to build a new Teen Center. His leadership earned him several awards and accolades including the Illinois Business Journal’s “20 under 40” recognition, a “Decatur Hero” honor from the Decatur City Council and “Non-Profit of the Year” from the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served as an Auxiliary Police officer with the Decatur Police Department.
“We are delighted with Bruce’s appointment and are thrilled to welcome him to the City of Hartford and the BGCH community,” said Ping Hsieh, executive chair of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s Board of Trustees, in a press release. “We are confident that under Bruce’s dynamic leadership, BGCH will continue its 165-year tradition and strengthen our mission to help every child reach their full potential.”
Jeffery’s appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search led by the Board of Trustees with the assistance of Nancy Jackson at EOS Transition Partners.
“I’m humbled and honored to join and lead this incredible organization and to build upon its strong historic legacy of impact,” said Jeffery. “I’m excited to be working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Trustees and supporters to create even more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.”
BGCH is the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. It was founded by four Hartford women in 1860 and celebrates its 165th anniversary this year.
“BGCH holds a special place for us at the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Club. I congratulate BGCH on its successful search and welcome Bruce back to the Movement,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “I look forward to Bruce’s strong stewardship and the continued success of this outstanding organization.”
Jeffery’s first day with the organization is March 3, 2025.
