Earlier this month, Mimi LeClair, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s (BGCC) president and CEO, announced her retirement at the end of June 2023. LeClair has spent the last seven years as BGCC’s leader, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago staff and community are incredibly grateful for her commitment to Chicago’s youth. 

Club leaders thanked LeClair for all the work she has done in leading the organization better than she found it. 

“Mimi, I thank you for all that you have done to make us a sound organization, with a commitment and a focus to continue to provide high-quality services to the communities that we serve,” said George Colone, Pedersen-McCormick Club Director and employee for more than 20 years. “I am proud to say that I had the honor to work with Mimi LeClair.” 

There were a few surprises in store for LeClair as well. The 2023 Youth of the Year, Tyson, and Adrianne, a 2020 Youth of the Year finalist and current employee at the Linda and Bill Gantz Club, presented LeClair with a leadership award to thank her for her service to Chicago’s youth. 

“Mimi, in recognition of your exemplary leadership, we, the children and teens of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, present you with this award for exceptional leadership,” Tyson said. 

The day ended with a staff photo and one last surprise. Friend and partner, the Chicago White Sox, gifted LeClair, an avid fan, with a custom jersey. 

“Without you, our staff, nothing is possible,” Mimi said in her closing remarks. “Without you, we would not have been able to serve more kids, to provide more robust programming, to provide new programming, to really make sure our kids are safe, and our Clubs are nicer environments to be in; you really make it happen. The engine runs without me, and I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Thank you for everything you have done for Chicago's children, Mimi.

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