Longtime Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club manager Matt Nelson has been promoted to Chief Professional Officer after a unanimous vote by the club’s Governing Board of Directors on Friday.

Nelson replaces David Menchaca, who has served as the Club’s CEO for nearly the past two years. Menchaca stated that he was thankful for the opportunity to lead the two SCV clubs in Newhall and Canyon Country, and wished Matt and the organization well.

Nelson assumed his new position on Monday.

The board appointed Nelson based on his extensive knowledge of multiple levels of club functioning. He joined the SCV Boys & Girls Club as the Education Director in 2003. In 2006, he moved into the role of Newhall Clubhouse Branch Manager. Last year he assumed the position of Director of Administration for both Santa Clarita Valley Clubs.

“Matt has been with the Club for more than a decade and served in increasingly advanced roles,” said Wayne Crawford, governing board president. “He has served as Chief Administrative Officer since the departure of Bryan Lake last year. Matt stepped into a very difficult role and has excelled. We are extremely confident he will fill his new role as Chief Professional Officer with enthusiasm and professionalism. I have worked closely with Matt for the last several years and am sure he will do a great job and continue to grow in his role. The Board voted unanimously on his appointment and we are looking forward to helping Matt with his new assignment.”

A longtime resident of the SCV, Nelson is a College of the Canyons alumnus, graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, and is currently attending a Master’s degree program in Public Administration: Non-Profit Sector Management at CSUN.

“The kids at both branches know Matt well and have strong connections with him,” Crawford said. “Our partners and community members also have great respect for Matt and we all look forward to helping him in his new responsibilities. I look forward to talking to each of you about the Club’s future and how we can all work on its behalf.”

“Obtaining a job with the Club in 2003 was an amazing opportunity to make a difference in our community that has grown into a lifelong passion,” Nelson said. “It is an honor to be selected to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club. The Club maintains a rich history and is an important part of our community. I look forward to working hand in hand with the Board members, staff, and volunteers to help meet the needs of the children and families of the Santa Clarita Valley.”

The Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club was formed in 1968 by a group of community leaders who recognized the need for high-quality programs and facilities at affordable costs for area young people. The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley now serves more than 3,500 youth, ages 7-17, at facilities in Newhall and Canyon Country at the amazingly low cost to the family of $60 per child per year. The Club stands by its mission, to open their doors to those children who need them most. Programs engage members in education and career exploration, sports, recreation and fitness, character development and healthy life choices. In order to make all of this possible, the club largely relies on donations, fundraising events and grants. Recently the City of Santa Clarita and Supervisor Antonovich’s office have also contributed vitally needed support.

Mr. Nelson and board members invite interested community members to come on a Great Futures Tour to learn about how our Clubs are serving Santa Clarita Valley families and providing a safe and nurturing learning environment for kids. To schedule a tour, contact Nelson at 661-254-2582 or info@scvbgc.org.