We are proud to announce that our CEO, Greg Lemke-Rochon is being recognized for his dedication and commitment to youth. He recently earned Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s highest professional honor bestowed in the Midwest Region, the Heart & Soul Award. Greg has been serving, supporting, and advocating for children and teens throughout the Fox Valley for more than 30 years.
Heart & Soul Award
This award is presented annually to a professional who has demonstrated long devoted service and has been an advocate for youth. Greg accepted this award at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Midwest Leadership Conference on October 19, 2021.
“Greg exemplifies the essence and meaning of the Heart and Soul award, one of BGCA’s highest regional honors. He is a consummate champion of youth and devoted to doing whatever it takes to ensure they have a great future … His commitment and dedication to the Boys & Girls Club movement is an example for all in servant leadership and he is a tireless advocate for Boys & Girls Club in the State of Wisconsin. He is always willing to assist no matter the task, such as helping other communities establish a club.”
Jim Clark (President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America)
Driving Club Impact
Under Greg’s leadership, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley opened its doors in 1998. It has since expanded to support youth at two branch locations and nine school sites, including two that opened earlier this year. These eleven clubs serve an average of 15,000 youth annually with an array of positive youth development programs and mental and behavioral health services.
Throughout Greg’s tenure, he has helped the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley distinguish itself through its Youth & Family Services Department. This arm of the organization provides no-cost services to thousands of children, youth, and families each year. It includes the following program areas: Youth & Family Counseling, the Truancy Reduction and Assessment Center (TRAC), Scholars on Target to Achieve Results (STAR), Home Base, and the Center for Grieving Children. The organization employs over 140 staff annually and benefits from the contributions of over 400 volunteers.
“The commitment, care and compassion Greg has provided to the youth in our community is remarkable. Every day, Greg strives to improve the lives of kids in the Fox Valley who need us most. He has well earned this prestigious award through his decades of tireless service to youth.”
Dan Flaherty (Board President of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley)
Most recently, Greg led the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley through the completion of a $9.875 million-dollar multi-faceted Great Futures campaign. The campaign works to meet the developmental needs of a growing population of young people, especially those supported through the organization’s varied youth and family supports. The campaign also included a 15,000 square feet expansion of the Boys & Girls Club of Menasha.
Notable Achievements
This Heart & Soul award comes following Greg’s induction into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Hall of Fame earlier this year. Greg has also been previously recognized for his contributions to youth with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Blue Spirit Award. Additionally he has been a recipient of the Executive of the Year for the Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals, as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Horizon Award all for the Midwest Region.
