For the Rapids City Times

MADISON – Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area Executive Director Kent Anderson has been named Chief Executive Officer of the Year by the Wisconsin Area Council of Boys & Girls Clubs. The announcement was made at the area council’s annual meeting held in Madison on March 11-12.

“Kent truly embodies all of the qualities of a top CEO for this organization,” said Jill Kurszewski, board chair for the club’s board of directors. “He is an authentic leader, strong champion for the organization and a trusted caretaker for the youth of our community.”

The criteria to receive this honor include strengthening and growing an organization, involvement in national Boys & Girls Club initiatives, additional training, and the willingness to do what it takes to help the children that need us most.

“Kent Anderson is a tremendous leader; filled with passion and a devotion to make a difference in the lives of youth in the Wisconsin Rapids community and surrounding areas,” said Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “It is so deserving to recognize his service as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin CEO of the Year and celebrate his many accomplishments to advance the Boys & Girls Club mission and create Great Futures for kids and teens. Our movement is fortunate to have Kent as an active ingredient in changing and transforming lives, and families are equally fortunate to have Kent in their corner!”

Anderson has been with the organization for seven years, starting first as a program coordinator, then unit director and operations director. He became the executive director three years ago. Through all of his roles, Anderson has remained very present in the club. In addition to managing the organization, which includes four sites, Anderson has also been co-leading the project to build a new facility with the YMCA. The work has resulted in a successful $27.5 million capital campaign and a new facility where the two organizations can work collaboratively to serve our community.