Metro Atlanta CEO Accepts Honor during 111th National Conference in Dallas
Atlanta, GA – May 15, 2017– Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta President & CEO Missy P. Dugan has been awarded the 2017 Thomas G. Garth Character and Courage Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA). This award is the highest honor the organization can bestow on a Club professional.
The award was created in memory of Garth, a former BGCA President, and is presented each year during the national conference to a Club professional who best exemplifies the qualities and character that made Garth an extraordinary leader and role model during his decades of service to the organization.
Dugan was surprised, but extremely honored and humbled to receive the award on Friday, May 12 at the finale of the 111th national conference.
“When I think of the word courage, I think of the work that we do each and every day to make sure we are giving every opportunity to our kids,” said Dugan. “It’s tough work for our staff members, the people’s shoulders on which I stand. It’s the ground soldiers on the front lines every day – at every single Club in metro Atlanta – who I work for every day. They are the people who I’m going to make sure I show up for because they are the ones who make the difference.”
As president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, one of the largest networks of Clubs in the country, Dugan oversees 25 Clubs in 10 counties in metro Atlanta. She has contributed her wealth of experience with operations, fundraising, and marketing to the organization through nearly 20 years of service within the Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement. “Missy has led the organization to embrace change and innovation, which is an imperative. She continues to stay on the pulse of what kids and teens in their community need in order to thrive and realize a better future,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
As a result of Dugan’s remarkable leadership, Boys & Girls of Metro Atlanta was one of the first in the national movement to implement a fully integrated outcome measure management system. Her organization was also one of the first to establish a role entirely devoted to child and Club safety on the senior leadership team.
In addition to her many accolades, Clark spoke of Dugan’s character, calling her an “authentic, optimist at heart” with an “entrepreneurial spirit.”
Dugan currently sits on several boards, including United Way of Greater Atlanta and she also serves as a trustee on the University of West Georgia Foundation board. Dugan holds a bachelor’s degree in business and an honorary degree from the University of West Georgia, and numerous achievement awards through her work within Boys & Girls Clubs.
To learn how you can get involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, visit www.bgcma.org/get_involved
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s mission is to save and change the lives of children and teens, especially those who need us most, by providing a safe, positive and engaging environment and programs that prepare and inspire them to achieve Great Futures. Through 25 Clubs in 10 metro counties, trained and professional staff serve more than 3,300 youth (ages 6-18) daily through programs that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and leadership development. BGCMA also oversees Camp Kiwanis, a 160-acre outdoor residence camp. While the cost to effectively serve those who need us most is approximately $5,700 per member, BGCMA asks families to pay only a $50 annual membership fee and no child is turned away due to inability to pay. For more information, please visit www.bgcma.org
Media Contact:
Adrienne Leon
Marketing Manager
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta
404-527-0948 extension 1047
aleon@bgcma.org