The Waltham Boys & Girls Club is pleased to introduce Jason Smith, our new Director of Operations. With nearly 20 years of senior-level leadership experience in community service and youth development, Jason credits his Boston upbringing for instilling a sense of community and responsibility within him from a very young age.
“Working in this field of community service and youth development requires passion, dedication, selflessness, and the desire to uplift the community,” Smith said. “Growing up, I was extremely blessed to have a community that supported me by allowing me to learn and grow. It has been my responsibility to pay it forward and utilize the experiences I developed to foster and maintain positive and healthy relationships in communities. Having the ability to maintain long-lasting relationships and watch the growth of so many inspired youth, is beyond fulfilling; it’s truly humbling and inspiring.”
As Director of Operations at Jason will oversee the Club’s programming and day-to-day operations, lead the recruiting, training, retention, and development of program staff; participate in community outreach initiatives; and develop strong relationships with Club members and their families. The best word to describe Jason is implementor. He knows how to follow a task through to completion, no matter how difficult.
“After an extensive search to fill the role, there is no doubt that Jason is a perfect fit,” said Erica Young, Waltham Boys & Girls Club Executive Director. “I am incredibly excited about having Jason join our team. His leadership and youth development experience are going to have a tremendous impact on our community.”
Community and mission-driven goals are exactly what attracted Jason to pursue a position with the Waltham Boys & Girls Club. He shares, “The Boys & Girls Club mission statement and core values, which emphasizes personal and professional growth, really resonate with me. I want to be in a place where I can make a difference. My soul and spirit are dedicated to the youth, families, and their communities. I love the spirit and culture of Waltham and can’t wait to connect with and learn from this community.”
Jason comes to the Waltham Boys & Girls Club most recently from Hillview Montessori Charter Public School where he served as the Dean of Students. With hard work, commitment, and a strong support team, he earned a full Division I scholarship to play basketball at George Washington University and graduated top of his class with a degree in Criminology and Sociology in three years. Jason is also a proud brother of Alpha Phi Alpha, for which he credits changing his life and keeping him on track as a student-athlete.
When asked about the greatest highlight of his life, without hesitation, Jason says his wife Dionne and son Jason “Scrappy” Smith, Jr. who shares the same love for basketball as him, “Nothing compares to the love I have for my family.”
With kindness, respect, integrity, and character rooted in his work, Jason says he is enthusiastic to make a difference here at the Club. “I look forward to my part in helping to make sure the Waltham Boys & Girls Club is not only sustainable but thrives in supporting its members and their families.”
The Waltham Boys & Girls Club is incredibly fortunate to have Jason taking on this new role and leading the organization’s operations into the next chapter. Please join us in giving him and his family a warm welcome into our community!