With 27 years of running athletic programs (and counting), Geoff is a fixture at Yawkey Club of Roxbury. He founded and runs the Manny Wilson Educational Basketball program, which merges academics and athletics, and touts alumni like former UConn standout Jalen Adams as a success story. Geoff emphasizes teaching in his programs, with the ultimate goal to help members walk away with lasting knowledge that will enable them to succeed in the future. Get to know Geoff in this month’s BGCB Employee Spotlight:
Fast Facts:
Hometown: Orchard Park
Favorite Food: Chicken, Ziti, and Broccoli
Favorite Movie: Any Batman Movie
Favorite Book: The Holy Bible
Top Weekend Activity: Taking road trips with family
Favorite Quote: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
In His Own Words:
What has your path to BGCB looked like?
I’ve been working with kids throughout my entire career, following after the example that my mother set with her work as a social worker. Previously I worked for Boston Housing Authority, and when I was there I was organizing sports leagues for kids in the Orchard Park community. I worked for Andrea Swain. Eventually, she became the Executive Director at Yawkey Club of Roxbury, and I followed her here to continue organizing leagues and programs.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the Club and the community, and when it comes down to it, just make things happen. I had big dreams when I began working here. I wanted to grow the athletic programs and leagues, I wanted to improve the facilities, and I wanted to have lights installed on our fields outside. I’ve been able to accomplish all of this. I’m grateful to be able to give back to my community, and then get to see the members I work with succeed and come back to do the same thing when they are adults.
What do you like most about BGCB?
The sky is the limit for the members here, and I’ve never seen anything like it before. We have members going to Japan and India through the Experiential Travel Programs, we have members taking internships and jobs with companies in Boston, and we have athletes playing in college and professionally. It’s really simple – if you’re doing the right thing in this Club, your dreams come true.
