By ELENA MARSH
Staff Writer
The Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills is welcoming local businessman Reggie Smith as the group’s new CEO.
An alumnus of Lees-McRae College, Smith previously served as area vice president for Waffle House. He currently serves as CEO for Beast Burgers, a veteran-owned food truck serving made-to-order burgers, hot dogs and homemade sides.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Boys & Girls Club movement, especially the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills, where the commitment to empowering youth and strengthening communities is deeply rooted,” said Smith.
Originally from the mountains of southwest Virginia, Smith moved to Moore County to be closer to family. He volunteers his time in the community as a youth leader and coach with area-related leagues. Currently, he is working as a volunteer coaching kickball at Aberdeen Parks and Recreation.
“It has always been my passion to work with kids,” said Smith. “With sports as a background, I know how it can mold and lead kids on the right path.”
Formally established in 1998, the Boys & Girls Club provides children with after-school and summer programs in a structured, safe and supervised environment.
Since its inception, the club has grown from just one location in Southern Pines to four branches serving over 1,200 youth and teens. The program is offered at a fee of $50 per youth per school year, for youth and teens ages 5 to 18. Club members of every race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status and religion are welcome, and the club focuses on three core principles: academic success, healthy lifestyle, and good character and citizenship.
The organization operates four locations:
- Baxter Teen Center at the Southern Pines Unit;
- Logan-Blake Unit, in Pinehurst;
- Trinity Unit at Moore Montessori School, on South May Street in Southern Pines; and,
- SCC Kennedy Hall Unit on the SCC campus.
“We have wonderful staff and youth workers and volunteers,” said Smith. “The kids are very lucky that the people that work with them are so dedicated. It is fabulous the work that gets done here.”
Finding a new CEO was a long process, especially when it came to finding someone to replace Steve Kastner after he announced that he would retire on the heels of a record $2.5 million fundraising effort this past year.
“The search process for the new CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sandhills was highly competitive, with an outstanding pool of talented and passionate candidates,” said Mark Scott, Search Committee chair and vice chair of the board. “We are confident that Reggie is the right leader for this important role. His leadership will bring a positive impact on our youth and community.”
When it comes to moving forward and taking the Boys & Girls Club to the next level, Smith hopes that under his leadership he can continue to grow the organization.
“(Former CEO Steve Kastner) set forth the groundwork,” said Smith. “My goal is continuing to grow and reach as many kids as possible and provide the tools that (the Boys & Girls Club) needs to be successful.”
During the summer, youth programs are packed with field trips to museums, water parks, college campuses, zoos and other opportunities that many of the kids would never have the chance to explore. Club members also receive one hot meal each day during the school year, and three meals each day during summer.
Outside of the goals and accomplishments the staff currently meet, Smith hopes he can get across the sense of urgency when it comes to working with children from all walks of life: “I hope they continue to understand and recognize that as much as we do, the goal is to always do more.”
Vinette Gordon, chair of the board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club of the Sandhills, emphasized Reggie’s alignment with the organization’s growth opportunity: “Reggie’s dedication to workforce development and with preparing youth for the future makes him uniquely positioned to lead our organization. His leadership will be instrumental in growing our programs and expanding our impact across the county, ensuring we continue to create meaningful opportunities for the youth we serve.”
Nearly 75 percent of children attending the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills come from single-parent households and low-income families, but all youth and teens are eligible and encouraged to enroll. Enrollment is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, and if a child is already a member, they have first right of refusal, and their space is saved every year. So once a member, always a member.
Importantly, nearly 95 percent of members perform at grade level for their age, 99 percent anticipate graduating on time (which is 40 percent more likely to graduate than the general population), 88 percent plan to pursue secondary education, and 95 percent of club members achieve grades of B or better.
“With my background in business development, workforce development and youth development, I am uniquely prepared to help develop and support our bold new ‘Future Ready’ vision,” said Smith. “I look forward to working closely with the incredible staff, board and partners across the Sandhills to expand opportunities for our youth, ensuring they have the tools and experiences needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Together, we will amplify our collective impact and continue creating safe, transformative spaces for the children and teens who need us most.”
Contact Elena Marsh at (910) 693-2484 or elena@thepilot.com.
