By Christy Wolyniak, Contributor

Growing up as a Club kid, Calvin Lyons unknowingly prepared himself to one day become the president and CEO that would champion youth in need. The Boys and Girls Club of King County hired Lyons last week. Throughout his experience in both the business and nonprofit world, Lyons realized his potential and ultimately, his life passion.

“We selected Calvin because he is a champion for kids and teens in need, and he embraces a servant leadership approach.  He has extensive non-profit experience, including the role of Executive Director of Rainier Scholars.  And he is a former Boys Club kid (before we served girls) from Gary, Indiana,” said BGCKC APR Board Chair, Erika Schmidt.

As a Boys Club member, Lyons remembers how much fun he had stacking bowling pins by hand and what it was like to have adults share in his life when he was a child.

“I found a sense of safety and security [at the Boys’ Club]. If you don’t feel safe and secure, it is difficult to do anything else. [I] have to know that I am safe enough to relax so that I can learn,” said Lyons of his experience, which has helped him to relate to the youth he serves today.

Lyons experienced firsthand what it took to grow him into the ‘lifelong learner’ as he would say, today. Due to his early understanding of the impact this kind of club could have, Lyons recognized the need in the capacity he serves as the club’s new leader.

“[The Boys Club] really played a key role in [Lyons’] youth, helping him understand his potential and encouraging him to fulfill [his goals]. There is nothing like the positive encouragement of an adult to make a kid reach for that higher ring. His involvement in the Boys Club has been very pivotal in his understanding of what he’s working within today,” said Schmidt.

Committed to serving over 16,000 youth annually throughout the 14 Washington clubs, Lyons will be responsible for extending the club’s three pillars: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship. Through listening to the needs of his team and club members, Lyons is transitioning into his new role.

‘“It’s not about you, it’s about how you pour back what you’ve learned to the next generation, and how you build success and define it as ‘how do I contribute,’” said Lyons. He aspires to develop youth and provide the tools they need to give back to their community.

Lyons has worked with nonprofit and corporate organizations for 20 years. He was the director of partnerships at the Talaris Institute, an organization that helps parents raise emotionally and socially healthy children, as well as the executive director of Rainier Scholars, where he worked with INROADS. These two nonprofits focus on developing and placing talented minority scholars in business and community leadership.

“I was kicking and screaming, but when I went out there I realized there is much to do and there is a lot of genuine satisfaction in that. If your heart’s still beating, you should still be growing and doing something,” he said of his first encounter working with a program in L.A. County that helped keep students in high school.

Since he began working closely with young people, Lyons sought to understand the ingredients to ensure a healthy learning environment and confidence reinforced by youth mentors.

“The life experience I had before my youth helped put gasoline on the fire and now there’s no extinguishing that fire. [Helping youth has] become my life’s work. [There is a] sense of urgency to help young people.” said Lyons.

As the CEO for an organization committed to empowering young people to understand their full potential as responsible, productive, and caring citizens, Lyons strives to extend the club’s mission and build on the foundation it has already thanks to the capable hands of its staff, volunteers, and donors in the community.

“[Lyons] will build on what the organization has already achieved and will lead our group toward a brighter, more secure future,” said Schmidt.

Because of these individuals, the BGCKC has been able to continue to provide excellent programs for its youth in spite of difficult economic times and many other club cuts.

“[The Club} is not just a gym with the sound of basketballs in the distance. It is academic support and tutoring as well, and when I see those kinds of things, I’m ecstatic,” said Lyons.

Last year, the BGCKC provided 58,000 meals. The Ballard Club in particular has recently undergone a 5,000 square-foot renovation, including new sports fields, gyms, and five licensed childcare facilities. With 125 volunteers and 65 full and part-time employees, Lyons said that he is excited that 90 percent of the Ballard team is in college, resulting in a phenomenal output.

He would like to see the Ballard Club be a leader in initiating youth activities between various clubs, allowing them to get to know other neighborhoods and communities.

“We very much see him as the right leader at the right time. [Calvin] has the natural ability to relate to others and that means a lot to our organization. He will provide a level of confidence to all the people that he touches – the many staff and leaders within the organization as well as the youth that we serve,” said Schmidt.

Extensive volunteer and board service is accredited to Lyons’ college career that included a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, a Master of Business Administration degree from Pepperdine University, and completion of the Executive Leadership Program at Seattle University. Building his foundation on a rich education and experience with youth, Lyons is excited about his new role as CEO and the goals that the organization will continue to accomplish.

“There was an eight year old girl who wanted to meet Lyons. He got down, looked straight into her eyes, and had a conversation with her. Those are just wonderful moments, seeing an adult communicate with a child as an equal; as a person who matters in their life,” said Schmidt of an event she attended recently with Lyons.

Lyons will meet the public as the new president and CEO of the Boys and Girls club at the BGCKC’s Annual Kids Breakfast on April 4 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.

For more information call 206-436-1819 or email beglin@positiveplace.org.