Lafayette, LA – In June, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana (BGCA) announced Tamara Anthony as the new Director of Operations and celebrate her 25th Anniversary of dedication and commitment to the organization.
As Director of Operations, Tamara is responsible for overseeing club operations and programs with primary engagement in program development and implementation, safety, metric management, and overseeing staff development within the clubs. Her role will entail seeking and reporting activities to ensure an optimal club experience for all club members.
Tamara’s career with BGCA started as a full-time employee at one of the clubs moving to a full-time program director. Over the years she has held many positions ranging from club level to grants to operations. She has always been willing to step in where the organization needed her and her skillset, to ensure the youth BGCA serves get the most out of their club experience.
Rhyan Wheeler, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, emphasizes the impact Tamara has made on the organization and what the future holds for her new role, stating, “Tamara’s longevity with the organization is a beautiful testament to her passion for youth development. Twenty-five years in non-profit work is only for those willing to truly serve and take on great responsibility. Through the years, Tamara has never wavered from her commitment to providing youth opportunities for a great future. In her new role as Director of Operations, Tamara will use her expertise to focus on Club safety, program impact, and quality. We are grateful for Tamara’s continued dedication and know that youth across the communities we serve will benefit from her leadership.”
Being a part of the organization for 25 years has brought many challenges but also rewards in realizing Tamara’s purpose was to serve others. In a recent interview, Tamara speaks on her experience within the Organization and the impact it has made on her life.
When asked what the Boys & Girls Club has taught her, Tamara said “Working at the Boys & Girls Club taught me that I am tougher than I realize. It also taught me that serving others is truly my passion. As a child and throughout my primary and secondary years of school, my parents always gave back to our community. This sense of giving has stuck with me throughout my life which makes Boys & Girls Club a natural fit for me. In addition, the biggest thing I have learned through my initial work is that I possessed keen nurturing and motherly instincts. During my five years at the Iberia Boys & Girls Clubs, I always treated my club members as if they were my own children. Therefore, their joys and even pains became my own. Their safety was my biggest priority.”
For more information about Tamara’s years in the movement, visit https://www.bgcacadiana.com/post/24-years-of-serving-kids-in-acadiana.
This year marks the 52nd anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana. Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana operates under a mission to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Serving youth in 7 different locations, Boys & Girls Clubs provide opportunities through after school programs and summer camps with activities focusing on Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles & Habits, and Good Character & Leadership. An8th location in New Iberia’s West End will open in January 2023.
If interested in supporting the Boys & Girls Club, visit www.bgcacadiana.com/donate or call 337-268-9555.