Boys & Girls Clubs Names New Executive Director

Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri Board of Directors has named Brooke Wilkens as its new Executive Director, effective April 1.

As a University of Central Missouri graduate, Wilkens began her career in sales, working with small business owners in the Kansas City area. After starting a family, she and her husband moved back to their rural roots and purchased a small hobby farm in Johnson County. That led to a career move for Wilkens into the insurance industry where she quickly gained experience and moved into an executive position for the company. Throughout her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced the company’s performance and market presence, including developing and implementing strategic goals.

“We are very excited to have Brooke join our Boys & Girls Club team,” said Board of Directors President Megan Page. “She has an extensive business background and her kindness and compassion will make her a great asset to our Club.”

As the Club’s executive director, Wilkens’ responsibilities include leading the organization’s strategic direction, oversight of organizational operations, financials, programming, resource development and stakeholder relationships. The director also serves as the organization’s primary ambassador and lead communicator. According to the BGC search committee, “with more than a decade of dedicated leadership experience in sales, marketing and operations, Brooke has consistently demonstrated a commitment to driving growth, fostering relationships, and implementing innovative solutions to propel organizational success.”

“I am honored to be part of the Boys & Girls Club of West Central Missouri,” Wilkens said. “I believe every child should have the opportunity to succeed in developing life skills that will carry with them to become successful adults. I am looking forward to working with the directors and staff in each community to help them serve our youth.”

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Additionally, Wilkens noted her passion for giving back to rural communities, believing in, “power of community involvement and actively seeking out opportunities to volunteer, mentor, and support local initiatives that promote economic development and social well-being.”

Wilkens replaces Gary Beckman, who left Sedalia to become director of Pontiac Parks and Recreation in Illinois.

The executive director search process was conducted over several months by Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s CEO Search Team, in partnership with a search committee made up of board members. For more information, contact the Club at (660) 826-8331 or info@bgckids.com.