People on the Move: CEO of Boys & Girls of Pawtucket Retires After 50 Years
GoLocalProv Business Team
People on the Move: CEO of Boys & Girls of Pawtucket Retires After 50 Years
GoLocal's People on the Move is an update on new hires and promotions across southern New England. If your organization has an announcement, email it to us at [email protected].
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket announced that CEO James R. Hoyt, Jr., is retiring after 50 years of service with the Club. Hoyt will continue in his role as CEO until December 31, 2025, when his yet-to-be-named successor will begin.
Known fondly as 'Jim' throughout the community, Hoyt has been a dedicated leader within the Boys & Girls Club movement nationwide. He began his career as a part-time physical education staff member at the then-Boys Club of Pawtucket following his graduation from Barrington College in 1976. He steadily moved up the ranks of the Club – from Aquatics Director in 1977 to Unit Director in 1979, then Director of Operations in 1990 and finally taking the helm as CEO in 2004. During his tenure, Hoyt played a pivotal role in expanding the Club’s programs to attract both boys and girls, leading to a significant increase in daily attendance.
His efforts contributed to the organization's name change from Boys Club of Pawtucket to Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket in 1988—two years before the national organization made the same transition. Recognizing the need for growth, he spearheaded a capital campaign that raised $8 million to expand the Club’s facility from 40,000 to 60,000 square feet, completing the project debt-free. In 2021, the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket acquired property adjacent to the Club’s summer Camp Ramsbottom which allowed the camp to expand, enhance safety, and prepare it for the long-term sustainability. The Club is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and he is leading all of the initiatives and planning for the occasion.
Hoyt’s professional accomplishments are not just regional – they extend nationally. He has been an active member on several committees through Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Some of his contributions to the movement surrounding training, professional development and learning opportunities include:
• Serving on the Northeast Training & Professional Development Advisory Committee (TAPDAC) from 1993-2003, he became the first non-executive director to serve as Chairman from 2004-2006;
• Founding President of the Ocean State Chapter, Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals from 1991-1993;
• Selected as BGCA Masters & Mentor, one of the highest honors accorded by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, in May 2024.
In addition to his active committee work, Mr. Hoyt was:
• Awarded the Professional of the Year for the Northeast region in 1995-1996;
• Recognized as the Woodruff Fellow from BGCA in 2001;
• Awarded the Professional Development Award of Excellence for BGCA Training and Professional Development in 2003;
• Recognized with the Blue Spirit Award for the Northeast Region in 2016;
• Certified as a Sherpa Executive Coach in May 2021 (University of Georgia), he continues to dedicate his time mentoring leaders in the community and Boys & Girls Club field.
Mr. Hoyt has served on the Blackstone Valley Community Action Program board for over 25 years, most recently serving as the Board President. He is a board member on the Pawtucket Riverfront Commission, The Pawtucket Foundation and is an active member of the Pawtucket Lions Club. Mr. Hoyt was also part of the 2022 Sigma II Class for Leadership Rhode Island and was inducted into the Pawtucket Hall of Fame in 2022.
President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of America Jim Clark had this to say of Hoyt’s involvement in the movement: “Jim has been the “rock” in Rhode Island for Boys & Girls Clubs. His leadership has ensured thousands of young people’s lives have been enhanced and they are “future ready”. Jim will be sorely missed by our enterprise as well, having contributed to the advancement of our movement across the country; always setting the example for other market leaders to follow.”
Board of Directors President Joe Fleming stated, “The thing that stands out about Jim is that he ALWAYS puts the interest of the kids first making sure the focus of the Board of Directors and the staff keeps that in mind with any decision we are making. Over the years Jim has led the way in keeping the Club on a strong financial footing to allow the Club to provide the programs that are need for the Club kids.”
“My career with the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket has been incredibly rewarding,” Hoyt said. “I have been so fortunate to work alongside generations of passionate Staff, Board members and Supporters of our Mission, all working together providing life changing programs and opportunities for the youth of Pawtucket. I am looking forward to this next chapter of my life enjoying my family and playing a lot of music.”