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Tsitso named first female executive director in history of Boys & Girls Club

Date: 8/22/2013

By G. Michael Dobbs

news@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – In the 120 year history of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club there have been only five executive directors and all of them men, until now.

Timothy Gallagher, the chair of the organization’s board, formally introduced Sarah Tsitso as the sixth executive director of the club on Aug. 16 and noted the 26 years of service by out-going executive director Garrett (Gary) McCarthy.

McCarthy was a member of the club as a youth, and started his career with the organization more than 50 years ago, Gallagher said.

McCarthy said his last day was “bittersweet,” and he added, “I know the club is in great hands.”

Gallagher said, “We thank him very much for his leadership ... it was unwavering.”

Gallagher said that Tsitso’s appointment came after a national search and the board was pleased to hire her whom he described is “an extremely qualified candidate.”

He added, “Fortunately, we were able to stay local.”

Tsitso is a native of Ludlow, who lives in Springfield with her family. She is the former executive director of the Boys & Girls Club Family Center in Springfield and has worked with the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

She said, “Gary leaves big shoes to fill. I’m not going to try to fill them. I’m going to make my own.”

She said that state and federal requirements are “changing the face of childcare” and presenting challenges to organizations such as this one.

For her the role of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club must play is one of “enrichment.” She noted the public school system does the best it can, “but it can’t do everything.”

With a budget of $1.2 million budget, Tsitso said the club is dependent on primarily grants and donations and noted that other non-profit organizations seek funding from the same sources. She said she would seek collaborations with other groups.

“We can’t do it alone. We can’t be siloes here,” she said.

She is now developing a strategic plan for the next three years to present to the board of directors.

Tsitso added of her appointment, “I couldn’t be more proud of being the one they’ve entrusted.”