Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area announced today the retirement of CEO Misti S. Potter after nearly 25 years with the organization, seven of which were spent in leadership at BGC Austin.

Potter joined BGCAA as executive vice president in 2015 and was appointed its first female CEO in 2017. Since then, she has helped the nonprofit make great strides – growing its staff, membership, impact and realizing the longtime dream of building a Home Club, the Sheth Family Campus, which opened in 2019 with a STEM learning center, library, lab, art/music studios, teen center, and indoor and outdoor athletic facilities.

Over the past two years, Potter has led the organization amid pandemic and through her own battle to beat cancer. Given the strength of the organization and the fact it is so well positioned for growth, Potter said that now is the right time for her to retire and she has full confidence that the BGCAA team and board will continue moving BGCAA forward.

“Since starting in the Boys & Girls Club Movement, it has always been my goal to be the voice for those who did not have one, and to share the realities and stories of youth who need Clubs the most, through their eyes. It has been a privilege of my life to serve kids who not only need but truly deserve our support to build great futures,” said Potter. “During my time here in Austin, we’ve celebrated many milestones as an organization, among them the building of the Home Club and providing vital support for Club kids and their families during the pandemic. I’m proud of our accomplishments, and I know BGCAA will continue to serve Austin youth in significant ways for years to come. We have an incredibly generous community, and I am inspired and hopeful for all of the new growth and potential engagement from those who have decided to make this city their home.”

BGCAA leadership is actively recruiting for a CEO to replace Potter and partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Executive Talent Acquisition team to find a new CEO to lead the organization forward. To ensure a successful transition, Potter is expected to remain in her role until a new CEO is named.

“For the last seven years under Misti’s leadership, the BGCAA has served approximately 3,000 kids per day, providing them with a safe place to call home after school,” said Stephanie Dismore, senior vice president and managing director, North America, HP Inc., and BGCAA board chair. “Misti’s leadership has been instrumental in developing programs that enrich and inspire our kids, with a focus on character-building, leadership, academic success, and healthy lifestyles. She leaves behind a legacy of passion, determination, and commitment to our kids, and we wish her the very best as she transitions to the next chapter in her career.”

Thanks to the dedication of Potter and her experienced leadership team and staff, an engaged Board of Directors and strong support from the Greater Austin community, BGCAA has remained a difference-making nonprofit despite the challenges of the pandemic.