The Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club Governing Board of Directors announced its appointment of Matthew Nelson as the club’s newest Chief Executive Officer Tuesday.
Nelson, a long-time club manager, began his duties as CEO of the club Monday following the Governing Board’s unanimous decision Friday afternoon.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club,” Nelson said in a statement. “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.”
Nelson replaces David Menchaca, who served as the Club’s CEO for nearly the past two years. Menchaca reportedly wished Nelson and the organization well as he moves on to another form of employment, according to Governing Board President Wayne Crawford.
“It was time for the board to make a change and we feel that Matt would do a great job,” Crawford said. “He has been with the club for 14 years and most recently when he stepped in to replace Bryan Lake as the Chief Administrative Officer last year.”
The board appointed Nelson based on his knowledge of multiple levels of club functioning.
In 2003, Nelson began his work with the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club as the Education Director. In 2006 he became the Newhall Clubhouse Branch Manager.
Most recently, he took on the role of Chief Administrative Officer where he oversaw the day-to-day business of the club that included everything from insurances and payroll to entitlements and grant writing at both Santa Clarita Valley Clubs.
“Matt has taken over and thrived with it and grown tremendously,” Crawford said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with him almost every day and I couldn’t be happier with the job he’s doing and the board feels the same way. He’s picked up things that have frankly been neglected for some time.”
Nelson was also one of the club’s finalists when it searched for its last CEO two years ago.
“We knew we had a gem in the rough,” Crawford said.
Nelson is a long-time resident of the Santa Clarita Valley and a graduate of College of the Canyons.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from San Francisco State University and is currently attending California State University, Northridge (CSUN) where he is working to earn his master’s degree in Public Administration: Non-Profit Sector Management.
Crawford said he and the rest of the board are looking forward to what Nelson will accomplish in his new position as CEO.
“We’re excited about giving Matt this opportunity and excited for what he’s bringing to the club,” Crawford said. “All of the kids know he and he knows all of them. It’s really in his blood to be involved in this organization.”
