WORDS & PHOTOS: Wendy Dewhurst
If you believe that everything happens for a reason, then it’s clear that for the past 11 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s (BGCMC) CEO, Dawn Stanhope, is exactly where she is meant to be.
“We did not have Boys & Clubs where I grew up, so I was not part of the organization as a kid and wasn’t familiar with it as a young adult,” said Dawn. But that was all about to change when she moved to Manchester, New Hampshire.
Dawn began her career in Manchester working with an affordable housing developer when her mentor suggested she become more civically involved. Why not check out the area’s Kiwanis Club? Dawn’s first experience with Kiwanis was bringing Boys & Girls Clubs members out to the stock trout pond to teach them how to fish.
“These were kids who grew up in the inner city of Manchester,” said Dawn. “Most had never been outside of the city and had never held a fishing pole before. I grew up fishing with my grandpa at my grandparents’ lake cottage, and it brought back those amazing memories, so it was very special to do that with kids who had never had that experience.”
Dawn was hooked! That day by the pond, a ripple started that would affect the rest of her life. She started learning about the other Boys & Girls Club programs, then became a volunteer, then a donor.
Meanwhile, her son had settled in Winter Haven, Florida, and her daughter was finishing high school and forging her own path. Dawn and her husband decided they were ready to trade in the New Hampshire winters for a warmer climate.
As fate would have it, at the exact time they began exploring opportunities for their next chapter, Dawn received a call from the development officer at the Manchester Boys & Girls Club, who was looking for a new CEO. “I thanked them for the offer but told them that my husband and I were considering relocating,” Dawn said. “Three days later, I received a call asking if I would like to be considered for the CEO position in Manatee County.”
The rest is history!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County (BGCMC) is an afterschool and summer program that offers hope and opportunity to every child in our community, especially those who need it most. Their mission is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
The national organization, Boys Club of America, was established in 1906; the Manatee County branch began operations in February 1946 under the guidance of the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton, civic groups, and other interested individuals. In 1992, the organization made a major change by opening membership to girls and changing the name to Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Today, more than 4 million youth are served by over 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and military bases.
These clubs serve a vital purpose, as the hours outside of school time are the most critical for the community’s children and teens. Without a place to go, these kids are at risk of being unsupervised, unguided, and unsafe. So when school is out, Clubs are in! The Clubs provide a safe, fun place to learn, grow, and make lasting friendships; they provide caring relationships with adult professionals; and they provide out-of-school programs that equip students with tools to focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
Guiding an organization with such an important mission requires a steady hand and a clear heart, and these qualities absolutely define Dawn’s leadership.
“Since Dawn came on board in 2014, she has been the right leader at the right time,” said Marketing and Communications Director Drue Duerschmidt. “Her calm, compassionate, and mission-focused approach has guided us through so much—from everyday moments of positive impact on the lives of young people to some of the most challenging times for our community. Whether it was the pandemic or recovery from last year’s hurricanes, Dawn led with strength, empathy, and an unwavering belief in what our Clubs stand for.”
“The most rewarding part of my job is watching young people thrive and do things they never thought were possible,” said Dawn. “To know that we were a part of their story in making that happen is why we all show up every day. My hope is that we continue to expand into more locations to meet kids where they are and to reach many as we can, while maintaining sustainability.”
Beth Clark, BGCMC’s current Chief Operating Officer, has been a part of the Manatee Club since 2009 and has great admiration for Dawn.
“Dawn is a positive, dedicated, and caring leader whose strategic approach continues to shape the direction and success of our organization,” Beth said. “Her optimism creates an encouraging and empowering environment where our team members feel that we are heard and motivated to perform at their best. She genuinely cares for our employees, volunteers, members, and the broader community in every decision she makes. As a visionary, Dawn not only sets ambitious goals but also inspires others to believe in and contribute to a shared future of growth, innovation, and purpose.”
After years of dedicated leadership, Beth is now preparing for retirement. The new Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Evans, has some big shoes to fill, but all agree the position is being left in good hands.
“Joining the BGCMC is a chance to serve kids with a team that delivers every day,” Jonathan said. “Dawn’s mentorship and steady leadership set a high bar, and I am eager to learn from her and help our staff do their best work.”
The spirit Dawn fosters among her team is shared by the board, whose commitment to the same guiding vision has remained strong for more than 75 years: empowering kids to build a stronger community.
“Working alongside Dawn as Board Chair has been a deeply meaningful experience,” said Xavier Omar Edwards. “Dawn is more than a CEO—she’s a mentor and a tireless advocate for our youth. Her passion for creating safe, nurturing spaces where kids can thrive is contagious, and her leadership has inspired me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve seen her navigate challenges with grace and celebrate victories with humility. She leads with heart, and it’s been an honor to support her mission and witness the incredible impact she’s made in our community.”
Just a few of the awards Dawn and the BGCMC have received in recent years:
- 2022 Manatee Chamber Small Business Awards: Non-Profit of the Year
- 2022 Manasota Black Chamber: Large Non-Profit of the Year
- 2022 Healthy Teens’ Youth Health Awards: Youth Empowerment Award – In recognition of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s significant generosity to help promote, protect, and empower local youth and their health and well-being
- Manatee Tiger Bay Club: Dawn received the 2024 Non-Profit Leadership Award
- Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2024 Advocacy Champion Recognition: National Top Points Earner for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County’s advocacy efforts
Accolades tell one story, but the truer measure of Dawn’s work is in every child who discovers what’s possible through these Clubs. She once stood beside a pond teaching kids how to cast a line. And in a way, that’s what she’s still doing: leading an organization that helps them cast their sights on a wider world.
The BGCMC believes every child in Manatee County deserves an opportunity to realize their full potential and to achieve a great future. Learn more at www.bgcmanatee.org.
