RICHMOND, Ind. – Jon York became the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County in February 2026.
York, a Richmond native, has more than 20 years of experience in the Boys & Girls Club Movement, both as a professional and former member. He joined the Club at age six and started his first job there at 14.
“I was 14 at Scott Boys Club there on South 8th. I worked here in the clubs for eight years,” York said.
He credits the organization with helping to shape his life, noting that nearly two-thirds of alumni report similar experiences.
As an adult, York has held leadership positions across several counties, including CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Rush County and interim CEO for Boys & Girls Club of Montgomery County in 2024 and Hancock County in 2025.
York said returning to Wayne County allows him to give back to the community that helped him grow.
“I never thought I’d be somebody who could create a legacy, but that’s actually an opportunity for me,” he said.
From growing up in the Club and then taking on different career roles, York has seen the evolution of the organization. “It went from the Boys Club to the Boys and Girls Club during my time,” York explained. “I think when I grew up, there was a lot of activities. Now it's programs. It’s intentional repeated attendance and you're building from a curriculum.”
The Clubs offer open programming, allowing children to choose activities. “I always say they vote with their feet,” York said. “They vote to choose to come here or they vote to choose to join our programs while they're inside the club.”
York said his priorities as CEO include youth development and creating hands-on opportunities to prepare young people for trade school, college, or the workforce.
“Our mission is to help our kids realize their potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. And they become our neighbors, they become our coworkers, they become our employees, they replace us in the community,” he said.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County employ 80 staff members and work with volunteers and community partners. The organization serves children and teens ages 6 to 18, offering after-school programs and spring and summer break activities. Membership costs $15 a year, with additional fees for extended hours during breaks.
Wayne County has five club sites for all ages, a teen center at the McDaniel Unit, a professional development and training center, and a campground in Fayette County.
“It only takes one generation to change the trajectory of a family,” York said. “I'm that generation for my family. My son has a different starting point in life than I had because of my opportunities at the Boys and Girls Club.”
