The Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Governing Board of Directors announced today that it has selected David Z. Menchaca to serve as the club’s chief executive officer.

Menchaca replaces Interim CEO Bryan Lake who filled in after the retirement of  Jim Ventress, the Chief Professional Officer of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club who retired June 30, 2014, after 29 years of club leadership.

The board selected Menchaca based on his extensive leadership background with the United Way where he served in a variety of management roles for 23 years. Menchaca most recently served in the roles of Relationship Manager, Director of Major Corporate Accounts, Senior Account Executive, Regional Director of the Antelope Valley, and Public Spokesperson for United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

Prior to that, he served as the Director of Fundraising & Workplace Programs for United Way of Ventura County and a Campaign Associate at United Way of Santa Barbara County. Part of his role at United Way was to raise funds for local non-profit organizations, a skill that will come in very handy in his new role of CEO for the Boys and Girls Club.

He is a longtime resident of the Santa Clarita Valley and a graduate of California State University of Chico, with a degree in Communications & Journalism. He will start working with the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club mid-October.

“David comes to us with a wealth of experience in fundraising, leadership, and relationship building. He is a genuine, positive and proactive professional who we believe will build our capacity and help take us to the next level. As a former camp counselor with the Boys and Girls Club of Simi Valley, he understands the mission of our Clubs and how we can change lives for the better.” stated Dr. Diane Fiero, Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Governing Board President. “We are very excited to bring David on as our CEO. He has a passion for this work as well as the business acumen and fundraising skills to help our clubs be sustainable long-term,” said Foundation Board President, Wayne Crawford.

“It is truly 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.

A committee comprised of seven Governing and Foundation Board members worked diligently to select the new CEO. “We were lucky to have an impressive pool of applicants for this position. We took our role as the selection committee very seriously as we know how important this position is to the future of our clubs.” Fiero said. The Governing Board voted unanimously for the appointment of Mr. Menchaca to lead the club.

The local 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 2,400 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.