Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago Announces
Susanna Wickham as New President and CEO
Accomplished Chicago Civic and Business Leader to Guide the Next Era of Growth and Impact
Press Release
CHICAGO (June 18, 2025) – Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC), a nonprofit dedicated to providing a safe and positive environment for the city’s youth, announces the appointment of Susanna Wickham as its new President and CEO, effective June 16, 2025.
A seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience in Chicago’s civic and media sectors, Wickham brings a dynamic blend of strategic, operational and creative leadership to BGCC. Most recently, Wickham served as CEO of PAWS Chicago for four years during an era of transformative growth in the organization’s resources, visibility, and impact.
“Susanna is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of how to connect with the Chicago community,” said Joseph Ferraro, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of BGCC. “Her track record of innovation and impact makes her ideally suited to lead Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago into the future.”
Before her nonprofit leadership, Wickham held top editorial and publishing roles in Chicago’s media landscape. As Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Chicago magazine, she revitalized the publication, launching new, revenue-generating products and events while securing a National Magazine Award nomination as one of the country’s best magazines. She previously launched Splash magazine for the Chicago Sun-Times, as well as Michigan Avenue magazine, and early in her career worked at advertising and PR agencies on national and local consumer brands.
Susanna Wickham, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago's new President and CEO.
“I am honored to join Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago at such a pivotal moment,” said Susanna Wickham, President and CEO at BGCC. “The organization’s mission to empower youth and build brighter futures resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to partnering with the board, staff and community to expand BGCC’s impact.”
With Wickham at the helm, BGCC remains committed to offering high-quality mentorship, academic support, career development, and leadership programs for thousands of children and teens across Chicago. As the organization enters its next chapter, it will continue to serve as a vital resource for the city’s youth, empowering them to build the skills and confidence they need to thrive.
For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago and its programs, please visit bgcc.org.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago
Serving Chicago families since 1902, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) uses a comprehensive blend of mentoring and programming to provide youth ages 5 to 20+ the tools they need to become well-rounded and successful adults. Filling the out-of-school hours, which can be the most dangerous for young people, BGCC offers academic, social, and leadership activities for students in some of Chicago’s most underserved neighborhoods. Youth are matched with professional adult mentors, giving kids a safe place to learn, grow, and succeed. Learn more at: bgcc.org.
Media Contact: Francesca Callahan
(mobile) 239.776.5093