BGCTC Recognizes & Thanks Outgoing Board Members for Years of Distinguished Service
2021 brings changes and heartfelt farewell’s to members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) Board of Directors. The organization shares it’s sincere appreciation for the incredible contributions – time, talent, and leadership – made by five outgoing board members: Heather Burgess, Mike McKinnon, Lisa Miles, Chad Sutter and Michelle Wickett. Each of these dedicated members played instrumental roles in guiding the mission of the organization with their insight and expertise. We are grateful for the countless time they have given to BGCTC throughout their tenure as members of the Board of Directors. Serving the BGCTC board is an enormous commitment. These individuals leave an outstanding legacy and we will forever be grateful for their service.
Heather Burgess served the BGCTC Board of Directors for seven years and left a legacy of being a strong and vital advocate of the Boys & Girls Clubs. She served an instrumental and guiding role to help navigate leasing requirements and processes related to Club facilities. Serving on the Operations Committee, her expertise was invaluable in supporting the vetting process of new Club sites, reviewing new leases, and amending existing ones over the years. As a well-respected community member, Heather’s efforts have been vital in expanding our organization and helping us open two additional Clubs in Thurston County.
Mike McKinnon, longtime partner of Boys & Girls Clubs, has served the BGCTC Board of Directors for an incredible 18 years. He is a founding board member and has been a key factor in the growth of BGCTC. During his board tenure, Mike often stepped into leadership roles, serving as Board Chair and participating on numerous committees. Mike and his wife, Vicki, are longtime members of the Jeremiah Milbank Society, a national giving society recognizing Boys & Girls Club donors who’ve made unrestricted gifts of $10,000 or more in a calendar year. Mike also supported the Clubs through his business. Dairy Queen sponsored Power Hour (a homework-help program that encourages youth to be self-directed learners) for many years; hosted round-up campaigns; and encouraged customer support for local Club youth. Mike’s thoughtful leadership while serving the Board has helped the organization start strong and allows us to continue to build on our success for the years to come.
The impact of Lisa Miles’ two-year tenure with BGCTC will long been defined by the incredible impact of sharing the mission with new supporters. When first joining the board, she volunteered with multiple committees and immediately invited new sponsors for the Youth of the Year program and recognition event. During her time on the Board, Lisa was committed to inviting and involving new people and partners to our organization through her committee work and by inviting them to join her at our events to share in our mission. She also served on the Yelm Campaign Committee which was instrumental in helping open the Yelm Branch. Lisa is a believer in providing safe places for children to learn and grow with positive role models. Her impact on our organization will live on for many years.
Chad Sutter’s tenure with the Clubs has focused on being a champion for kids, willing to do whatever it takes to help children grow up in safe and positive environments. During his three years on the board, Chad served on the Resource Development Committee, Born to be Wild Auction Committee, and became a Jeremiah Milbank Society member. He created memorable experiences for Club members through support of the holiday Adopt-a-Family Program and by giving them the chance to enjoy the Mariners in style with field trips to home games! Chad has been a vital partner with Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County and his straightforward approach to problem-solving has been valuable during multi-faceted transitions faced by the organization.
In her 13 years serving the Board of Directors, Michelle Wickett has brought strong leadership and vision to the organization and was able to provide advice and support to new staff during the onboarding process. Her leadership was essential to the growth and expansion of the organization. The Tenino Branch opened under her guidance as Board Chair and she served on the Yelm Campaign Committee raising funds and support to open the Yelm Branch location. Michelle has set the bar high for other board members in terms of giving her time, treasure and talents to the organization. She has often been the first to volunteer to help serve during the annual Holiday Dinner at the Club and holds the record for most tables filled the Born to be Wild dinner and Auction. She has been a longtime member of the Jeremiah Milbank Society and has opened her home to host fundraisers and socials to support the Clubs and welcome new supporters.