The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County has selected its next leader.

Karen Sullivan will become Executive Director in March following Mary Ann Dudley’s December retirement.  She will be the 13th leader and the second female Executive Director in the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 75-year history.

Dudley became Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County January 1, 1999. She announced her retirement plans to the Board of Directors in August 2021.

“This was a long process, and we had over 50 candidates that we screened,” said Ray Burrell from the executive search committee in the release. “We believe Mrs. Sullivan will make a great Executive Director for our organization and lead us into the next decade of youth development and after-school programming for the youth in Wayne County.”

Mrs. Sullivan graduated from East Carolina University with a B.S in Communications and from Johnston Community College with an A.A.S in Advertising & Graphic Design. Her work experience includes being an owner and operator of private businesses, a non-profit director of marketing and annual giving manager, marketing, HR and project management for corporate businesses.

As Executive Director, Mrs. Sullivan’s responsibilities include leading the organization’s strategic direction, oversight of organizational operations, financials, programming, brand reputation, talent recruitment, resource development, and stakeholder relationships. The Executive Director also serves as the organization’s primary ambassador and lead communicator. Mrs. Sullivan, in partnership with her team, will oversee the organization’s Clubs located in Goldsboro, Fremont and Mount Olive. The Executive Director reports to Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County Board Chair, Ray Burrell, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County serves more than 700 youth at three locations throughout Wayne County; Goldsboro, Fremont and Mount Olive.

Founded in 1946, the organization serves children and teens ages 6 to 18. Its mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.