Meet Beth Presley, our dedicated CEO at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club!

Beth's journey in non-profit leadership began with a deep-rooted belief in the power of teamwork, as eloquently expressed by Vince Lombardi: "Individual commitment to a group effort—that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." This philosophy has guided her throughout her career and is reflected in her longstanding commitment to community success.

With a focus on youth development, Beth leads our team in striving to improve the Fort Smith community. The Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club, the largest nonprofit afterschool and summer program youth development organization, provides a positive, educational, leadership, recreational, and character-building program for thousands of youth aged 6 to 18.

Beth's passion for bettering organizations and communities through leadership and fundraising is evident in her diverse background. Her journey includes roles as the Executive Director of a nonprofit youth golf organization, where she achieved the status of #1 Chapter in the World in 2005. After a brief stint in the finance world, Beth felt a calling to join the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club as CEO, a position she assumed after the retirement of the former CEO of 43 years.

Driven to find diverse funding sources, Beth thrives on the thrill of successful grants, fundraising events, and building relationships to create a strong team within the community. She considers it her duty to teach others the art of fundraising, grant management, donor relations, and board development to enhance more nonprofits in the community.

Beth Presley brings extensive experience in executive leadership, youth non-profit programs, college athletics, communications, and marketing. Before joining our team, she served as the Director of Community Outreach and Education for the Arvest Opportunity Fund, working closely with non-profit organizations to provide innovative financial services.

Beth is deeply involved in the Fort Smith community, serving on the board of the United Way Fort Smith Region and chairing the United Way APT Golf Classic for the past three years.

In her personal life, Beth enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Darryl, pursuing their goal of experiencing as many 80s bands as possible. She is also a proud mother of two daughters currently pursuing college and medical school in Arkansas.

As she steps into her role at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, Beth expresses, “I am honored to be joining the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs team. This organization is well-established and well-loved and consists of an extremely talented team with a long history of dedicated donors and board members. My goal in leading this organization is to build upon its achievements while maintaining its high level of standards and to expand our impact on the youth in the Fort Smith community.”

Introducing Chris Reeder, our passionate Director of Operations at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club!

Chris's connection with FSBGC runs deep, as it has been an integral part of his life since childhood. From playing basketball at the Evans Unit from 1st to 6th grade to participating in the summer program, his journey is a testament to the transformative impact of the club. He even played American Legion Baseball through the club, showcasing his commitment to its programs.

Chris's professional journey at FSBGC began in the summer of '98, where he worked on baseball fields and mowing. This commitment continued through his college years, leading to a full-time role in May 2002 as part of the maintenance staff. Over the years, Chris's dedication shone through as he took on various roles, starting as the Assistant Unit Director of Goldtrap and the Assistant Athletic Director in 2003. In 2005, he ascended to the position of Unit Director of Goldtrap and the Athletic Director. His journey continued with the title of Athletic and Activities Director in the fall of 2023, culminating in his current role as Director of Operations in January 2024.

Chris holds a bachelor's degree in organizational leadership, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Beyond his professional life, Chris is a family man with four boys, all of whom have grown up or are still a part of FSBGC. In his free time, Chris enjoys traveling, playing trivia, savoring the outdoors, and hitting the golf course.

Chris's favorite quote, "Never let the fear of striking out get in your way" by Babe Ruth, encapsulates his fearless approach to challenges and resonates with his commitment to fostering growth and development within the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club.

Meet Arlyn Bates, our dedicated Office Manager at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. With a solid foundation in business administration and a major in accounting, Arlyn brings over 20 years of invaluable experience in the dynamic world of finance.

Her journey began in an auditing firm, where she honed her skills and attention to detail. Later, she ventured into the vibrant atmosphere of the casino industry, adding another dimension to her financial expertise. Drawing from her diverse background, Arlyn transitioned into the realm of education, serving as a school administrator and gaining a wealth of experience in working with children.

For almost five years, Arlyn has been an integral part of the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, contributing her financial acumen and passion for empowering young minds. Her commitment to the organization stems from a genuine love for working with kids and fostering their growth.

Beyond her professional life, Arlyn is a proud mother of two adult children, embodying the principles she believes in. Her favorite quote, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it," encapsulates her guiding philosophy, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and guiding the next generation.

Meet Jennifer Burchett, our Grant & Program Director at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club! Jennifer is a dedicated professional with a degree in biological anthropology from the University of Texas at Austin. Ever since graduating, she has been immersed in the world of nonprofit development, bringing her passion for communication, youth development, and continuous learning to her role at FSBGC.

Jennifer utilizes her extensive experience to support Club Kids and co-workers in various capacities, including program development, public relations, and resource development. Her commitment to the community is further demonstrated through her active involvement with her three children and her role as an avid sports and STEM coach. In her spare time, Jennifer indulges in gardening, photography, writing, and listening to music. She also has a unique interest in watching Korean zombie movies, much to her husband's dismay.

Jennifer's guiding quote, "Work is love made visible," from Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, encapsulates her approach to her role. Her work at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club is a tangible expression of her love for making a positive impact on the lives of Club Kids and contributing to the community's overall well-being.

Introducing Lauren Zavala, our dynamic Marketing and Donor Relations Manager at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club! Originally hailing from Clarksville, AR, Lauren is a 2022 graduate of the University of the Ozarks with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, focusing on Marketing. Her academic journey also includes minors in Health Science and Spanish, showcasing her diverse skill set.

With a background as the Marketing Director for the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce, Lauren brings valuable experience in crafting impactful marketing materials and strategies, branding, and creating community connections. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is deeply passionate about outreach and excited to contribute to and share the mission of the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs with the Fort Smith community.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Lauren shares, "I am beyond thrilled to step into my role as Marketing and Donor Relations Manager at FSBGC, where my passion for community, connection, and creating safe spaces aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs."

Guided by the quote, "The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention" by Kahlil Gibran, Lauren is committed to embodying kindness in her role. She sees each interaction and connection as an opportunity to make a positive impact, recognizing the profound value of even the smallest gestures.

Grateful for the opportunity, Lauren is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing the incredible initiatives happening at the clubs. Her vision extends to unveiling inspiring tales of potential and promise within the community, all starting at the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Clubs.

Amaica is originally from Fort Smith, AR, and is a soon-to-be graduate from the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith with a bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration.

With a wealth of experience as a Junior Admission Advisor and Cub Camp Director at UAFS, Amaica brings exceptional skills in event and activity coordination to the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs. Her passion for philanthropy and community service, coupled with her dedication to helping youth, makes her a perfect fit for our mission.

Excited to start her new role as Program and Volunteer Manager, Amaica shares, "I am thrilled to get the opportunity to work with and inspire youth in our community. I am thankful for this ability to make a difference in children's lives and hopefully leave a positive impact on them and their families. It is exciting to be a part of a team that is building up the future. These children are our future."

Jerad is thrilled to be serving as the Athletic Director for the Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club! With over 30 years of volunteering and extensive experience working with the Boys and Girls Club, he is incredibly passionate about creating opportunities for the youth in our community to thrive through sports and recreation.

”It's an honor to be part of an organization that makes such a positive impact on the lives of young people, and I'm excited to contribute to their growth and development both on and off the field.”

Meet Scott Reeder, our dedicated Facility Manager at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club!

Scott oversees the maintenance and repairs of all FSBGC properties, spanning over 90 acres and 60,000 sq feet of buildings, including our 4 Units and Hunts Park. His responsibilities extend to managing lawn service, landscaping, janitorial service, and all club shuttle vans. Additionally, Scott is actively involved in project planning, club improvements, and facility upgrades.

Scott's history with Fort Smith Boys and Girls Club traces back to his childhood, where he was a member from age 6 through high school. Engaging in activities like basketball, baseball, and attending the summer program, Scott's journey with the club laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment.

After high school, Scott worked at Evans and volunteered as a baseball coach. His career took him through various retail and sales jobs, living in six cities over eight years and traveling for work for an additional two years. In 2010, Scott returned to Fort Smith, dedicating himself to full-time work at FSBGC.

Scott's guiding motto is inspired by Albert Einstein: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." This philosophy resonates with Scott's commitment to recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths and talents of each individual within the Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club community.

Introducing Tim Higgins, our accomplished and versatile team member at Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club! Tim's journey with FSBGC began in 1994 at the Evans Unit, where he worked alongside two others as one of the founding employees. Starting as a coach, he quickly took on various responsibilities, becoming the go-to person for everything beyond coaching. Over the years, Tim has coached every sport offered by FSBGC, setting a record by coaching an impressive 10 teams in a single year.

Beyond his extensive coaching experience, Tim has a diverse professional history. He served as a sports writer for the South West Times Record for 8 years and briefly for the Arkansas Democrat while working part-time at Evans Boys & Girls Club. He later worked as a home inspector for State Termite and Pest Control and held various part-time jobs while still actively volunteering for the clubs. Tim's educational journey includes graduating from Southside High School in 1995, earning his associate degree from Westark, and obtaining his Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Tim enjoys playing chess and a variety of games. His diverse skill set includes solving a Rubix Cube, performing tricks with a YoYo, and juggling. Tim's ethos is encapsulated in the words of Harry S. Truman, "The buck stops here." His commitment to taking responsibility and making a positive impact on the lives of Club Kids is evident in his longstanding dedication to Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club.

Meet Fa’Timah Jones, our dedicated Unit Director at Stephens Boys and Girls Club. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Fa’Timah's journey with the club began at the young age of 15. As a former club kid from 2000 to 2003, she moved away in 2003 and returned in 2009 with a determination to work for the Boys and Girls Club she grew up with.

Fa’Timah's journey at the club started in 2009 during the summer program through the WAEDA program. She assisted with the Exploring Arkansas summer trips and led activities at the club. Her commitment deepened as she became a mentor for the Lean on Me mentoring program and a member of the Keystone: Leaders on the Rise youth program. Progressing from a member to president and then advisor, Fa’Timah has played a significant role in shaping the club's youth programs.

In addition to her roles, Fa’Timah served as a Dance and Cheer coach for four years and was honored as the Youth of the Year for Stephens in 2011 during her senior year in high school. Thanks to her achievements, she received the Jim and June Alexander Scholarship to attend UAFS.

Fa’Timah's passion lies in working with youth, as she believes that children impart the most valuable lessons. Over the 15 years of her involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, she has evolved into a better version of herself. Her favorite quote, by F. Douglas, reflects her motivation: “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken adults.” Fa’Timah embodies this philosophy in her everyday work, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of the young minds she encounters at the club.

Meet Yvonne Blackmon, our dedicated and experienced Unit Director at Goldtrap Boys & Girls Club, bringing seven years of invaluable leadership to our team! Yvonne's journey began over sixteen years ago when she started as a volunteer at Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club. Inspired by her niece and nephew attending the club, she became actively involved in Keystone, a teen organization within the Boys & Girls Club. Her dedication as a volunteer led to a job offer, marking the beginning of her impactful journey within the organization.

Starting at the front desk, Yvonne quickly transitioned to driving the van and later took charge of SMART GIRLS and became a dance coach. Her commitment and passion for the Club have shaped her role as a Unit Director for the past seven years. Educationally, Yvonne graduated from Northside High and attended Westark Community College. Post-college, she made a significant decision to join the Army, spending one year in Korea and three years in Alaska. A fun fact – she got to see Santa's house during her time in Alaska.

Yvonne's guiding quote, "Evil triumphs when good men do nothing," reflects her commitment to making a positive impact and standing up for what is right. Her journey from a volunteer to a Unit Director is a testament to her dedication to the Boys & Girls Club's mission and the well-being of the children in our community.

Originally from Monticello, AR, Ty is a 2018 and 2020 graduate of Arkansas Tech University with his Bachelors in Health & Physical Education and Masters in Arts of Teaching. With over 7+ years BGC experience, Ty has previously worked at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley located in Russellville. Ty has also worked with youth through coaching, teaching, and other nonprofit organizations.

Thrilled to start his new role as Jeffrey-Glidewell Unit Director at FSBGC, Ty expressed, “I’m thrilled to hit the ground running at the newly renovated Jeffrey-Glidewell site! The kids in this community deserve a fun, safe place to go after school and I’m excited to contribute to that positive experience.”