Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Appoints Bruce Jeffery as CEO

February 11, 2025

Jeffery Brings Extensive Youth Development Experience to the Organization

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford (BGCH) has appointed Bruce W. Jeffery to serve as its new Chief Executive Officer. Jeffery succeeds Samuel Gray, Jr. who left the organization in August following a promotion to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Jeffery has a proven leadership record and a deep passion for youth development. He most recently served as Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati. Under his leadership, that organization serves more than 16,000 youth in the Greater Cincinnati region. Additionally, Jeffery led the creation of the Carl H. Lindner Impact Center, the acquisition of the Music Resource Center and the relocation of the Y’s downtown Early Learning Center to a new site.

Jeffery’s appointment to Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford marks a return to the Boys & Girls Club Movement, having previously served as the Executive Director of the Decatur, Illinois Boys & Girls Club. During his time in Decatur, Jeffery raised significant funds, enhanced operational efficiency and led an initiative to build a new Teen Center. His leadership earned him several awards and accolades including the Illinois Business Journal’s “20 under 40” recognition, a “Decatur Hero” honor from the Decatur City Council and “Non-Profit of the Year” from the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served as an Auxiliary Police officer with the Decatur Police Department.

“We are delighted with Bruce’s appointment and are thrilled to welcome him to the City of Hartford and the BGCH community,” said Ping Hsieh, Executive Chair of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford’s Board of Trustees. “We are confident that under Bruce’s dynamic leadership, BGCH will continue its 165-year tradition and strengthen our mission to help every child reach their full potential.”

Jeffery’s appointment comes after an extensive nationwide search led by the Board of Trustees with the assistance of Nancy Jackson at EOS Transition Partners.

“I am humbled and honored to join and lead this incredible organization and to build upon its strong historic legacy of impact,” Bruce Jeffery said. “I am excited to be working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, Board of Trustees and supporters to create even more opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive.”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford is the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. It was founded by four Hartford women in 1860 and celebrates its 165^th anniversary this year.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford holds a special place for us as the birthplace of the Boys & Girls Club. I congratulate BGCH on its successful search and welcome Bruce back to the Movement,” said Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “I look forward to Bruce’s strong stewardship and the continued success of this outstanding organization.”

Jeffery’s first day with the organization is March 3, 2025.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Scary Good Fun for a Great Cause: 2025 Donny’s Dash Brings Greater Hartford Together

October 28, 2025

Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford President & CEO Bruce Jeffery joins UConn legend Donny Marshall, BGCH staff, and Club Kids at the start of the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run at Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. Over 400 runners, including 80 Club Kids, participated in this community event in support of Great Futures. Photo courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. Over 400 runners and 80 youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford laced up their sneakers today for the 2025 Donny’s Dash: Scary Good Fall Run, held at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center. The event brought together families, community partners, and corporate supporters for a day filled with fitness, fun, and philanthropy—all in support of opening doors to Great Futures for Hartford youth. Among the runners were more than 80 Club Kids r epresenting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, who ran with pride, excitement, and that signature Club energy. Their enthusiasm captured the true spirit of the event—creating opportunities where young people can grow, thrive, and dream big. The celebration featured appearances by Donny Marshall, UConn basketball legend and BGCH Board Member, Morgan Tuck, General Manager of the CT Sun, and Bruce Jeffery, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. "We are incredibly proud to see our community come together to support our Club kids," said Jeffery. "Every mile run today represents a step toward brighter futures for the kids we serve every day." All proceeds from Donny's Dash directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, providing local youth with access to safe spaces, positive mentorship, and programs focused on academic success, character & leadership, wellness and life & workforce readiness.