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Meet Our Team
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A former educator, Damon has served in the non-profit arena for over fifteen years, with the last ten being in executive leadership roles. As a youth, Damon grew up in his local Boys & Girls Club playing basketball, and has a passion for the Club’s mission. Damon thrives on collaborative work, creating a sense of family, and working collectively to find innovative approaches to address community needs. An advocate for individuals of all abilities, Damon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Damon and his wife, Samantha, reside in Monroe with their four children.
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Stemming from her background in higher education advancement and nonprofit management, McKenzie is an innovative leader who excels at building meaningful relationships and creating impactful programming. Before joining the Boys & Girls Club team, McKenzie worked in Alumni Relations at the University of Cincinnati and her alma mater, the University of Dayton. She is also a previous Branch Director with the Boys & Girls Club of St. Joseph County, located in northern Indiana. McKenzie loves to be active and outdoors with her family and Labrador pup, Quinn.
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Yiren graduated from the University of Kentucky with an honorary Degree in Master of Clinical Social Work, a Bachelor Degree in Sociology and two minors. Yiren believes that healthy and positive intervention at one’s early stage of life is crucial to being successful in one’s adult life. Person-centered and relationship-based care are Yiren's driving forces contributing to how she serves youth to reach their full capability of becoming an empowered, eager-to-learn, and accountable citizen within the community.
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Matt Weil is a dedicated and experienced professional in the field of youth programming. With over two decades of experience, including a significant role as Unit Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Hamilton, OH, and work with the YMCA, he has a strong background in creating enriching environments for young people. His emphasis on building relationships with both members and staff underscores his commitment to making these programs safe, engaging, and enjoyable. Matt's approach is not only about providing activities but also about fostering a supportive community where everyone feels valued.
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As a student-athlete with a background in Media Communication from Ball State University, Dave discovered the transformative power of community and collaboration. Dave believes that effective communication and teamwork can turn diverse perspectives into powerful tools for progressive change. This philosophy was reinforced during his two years mentoring students at inner-city schools through Social-Emotional Learning programs. At BGCWCL, Dave's mission is to leverage his passion, energy, and personal connections to inspire and empower youth, helping them overcome perceived limitations and realize their full potential.
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Patti Alderson, Founder
A long-time resident of West Chester/Liberty, Patti has been instrumental in developing the philanthropic arm of the community. Patti led the effort to open the original Club in 2014, and with the support of Lakota Schools and many generous people who saw the need for a larger facility, Patti was able to raise the funds and open the doors to the current Club facility on January 4, 2018. She loves being at the Club and says just being with the kids makes it all worthwhile.
Contact Info
CEO | Damon Knoche | dknoche@bgcwcl.org |
Director of Club Operations | McKenzie McKinney | mmckinney@bgcwcl.org |
Director of Academics | Yiren Xiao | yxiao@bgcwcl.org |
Program Director | Matt Weil | mweil@bgcwcl.org |
Program Cooridnator | Dave Walcott | dwalcott@bgcwcl.org |