Former Board Perspective- Sue Hansen

Former Board Member

Can you believe it is already September? I started this article series all the way back in January with the plan to write an article a week on the Club realizing today that I have written 32 so far! I will say one of my favorite parts of this article series is not only informing the community more about the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) but getting to interview (current and past) staff, Board members, and Club kids to hear about the impact Club has had on them. For this week’s article, I got to interview Sue Hansen.

You all know Sue Hansen; she is the owner and president of Sue Hansen Speaks, one of the founders of the Women’s Giving Club, Women of Distinction nominee, County Commissioner, and an all-around great lady. But among her many accomplishments and accolades, did you know she used to be a BCBGC Board member from 2010-2014 and founding member of Club’s biggest fundraiser, the Montrose Wine & Food Festival? So, needless to say, she has done quite a bit for the Club over the years. Even though she is no longer part of the Club in an official capacity, she is still a big supporter and advocate for the Club of which I am very appreciative. It was another constant advocate and supporter of Club, Bob Tesch, who got Sue involved with the BCBGC initially (thanks Bob!). When asked why she feels the BCBGC is an important and necessary non-profit within the community, Sue stated, “I think it is important to have activities for kids after school and in the summer. When you are a kid whose parents are working long hours, it is especially critical to have a safe place to be”. When asked how Club could improve Sue addressed a concern most of my interviewees have had; the ability to serve more kids, which, as you know, the Club’s capital campaign is currently in the works to make that happen.

When asked what her favorite memory of Club, Sue mentioned the time she taught a comedy class to the kids saying it was a blast! Sue, in addition to her role as Club Board member and founder of the Festival, also helped to teach kids some classes during her tenure. I always ask this question of my interviewees and Sue was no exception; “what advice do you have for the Club kids now and into the future?” which Sue responded by saying “when an opportunity comes your way, seize it!”

One departing note I will mention from Sue’s interview is she stated the importance of Club telling the community what exactly Club does beyond just providing child care. I couldn’t agree more. I would take it a step farther and say it is my obligation as Executive Director of the Club to highlight the true impact this youth development organization has on the community and what it can do in the future. Beyond the fundraising plugs and the pictures of smiling kids on the website, it is vital that the Club’s story is shared with the community, which I hope this article series has started and will continue to do in 2019. However, if you ever have any questions on what the Club is doing or is planning to do in the future, please reach out to me. I am always up for treating an interested person to a cup of coffee and sharing the Club’s story.

Bud Taylor is the Executive Director of the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club (BCBGC) and has been for the past three years. Prior to that he was a Club kid, Junior Staff Member, and Board Director of the BCBGC. For more information on the Club, please visit www.bcbgc.org.