The Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri welcomed a new executive director this week to run the organization. Gary Beckman comes to position with more than 22 years of Boys & Girls Club experience, the past 16 spent as the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Livingston County in Pontiac, Ill.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri has a long history of serving kids and impacting their lives,” he said. “I’m looking forward to continuing this tradition as I believe when you impact a child you impact their family and the community where they live. It’s a ripple effect of good things.”

Beckman, originally from La Plata, Mo., said he’s glad to be back in Missouri, cheering on the Mizzou Tigers and the Kansas City Royals. And while it was a hard decision to leave a Boys & Girls Club after nearly 20 years, he’s excited to get to work in Sedalia.

“There were kids in Livingston County that I was able to watch grow up and see them send their own kids to Boys & Girls Club,” he said. “I hope to have those same experiences here.”

“We’re proud to have Gary leading our organization,” said Boys & Girls Club Board President Matt Melville. “He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in providing a safe, stable, fun and educational place for kids to go when school is not in session. We look forward to introducing him to the communities we serve.”

Beckman and his wife Jocelyn have three sons, including one stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, and a daughter. He can be reached by calling 826-8331 or at gbeckman@bgckids.com.