The Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce

10/27/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/27/2021 06:38

Big Brothers Big Sisters Welcomes New CEO

Tallahassee, FL - Monday, October 18, 2021, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend (BBBS) is proud to welcome Molly Lord as the new Chief Executive Officer. The announcement follows a long search after the departure of long time CEO, Alva Striplin. Molly was most recently the Vice President of Resource Development at United Way of the Big Bend and brings 20 years' experience in the non-profit field. The Board of Directors and staff are excited to welcome her to the organization as they celebrate 50 years of serving youth in North Florida with its mentor program.

"As Chair of the CEO Search Committee we spent the summer making sure we found the right person at the right time to lead this noble organization. Mission accomplished and we are ecstatic to have selected Molly Lord to guide this team into the future as we all serve the youth in our community. Lastly, my heartfelt thanks to all that served on the search committee and got the job done and to every member of the staff that stepped up where needed during this transition." said Blake Dowling VP of the Board of Directors of BBBS and CEO of Aegis Business Technologies.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend. BBBS is poised to really develop our local mentorship opportunities and build upon the momentum of the 50 year history. I look forward to being part of the effort to bring BBBS to the next level, making a positive difference for even more youth in our community," said, Molly Lord.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is committed to helping children across the Big Bend region, focusing on children ages 6-16 years old in Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla County. In the2020-2021 fiscal year BBBS of the Big Bend served 492 youth, with 75 percent of those under the age of 12, nearly 70 person coming from one-parent homes and 50% having an incarcerated parent. The youth served by BBBS of the Big Bend report higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoidance of risky behaviors, and educational success. Our Littles (youth served in mentoring programs) often face societal barriers, opportunities gaps and adversities including poverty and identity-based discriminations in their communities. For many, their time with their Big (volunteer mentor) is an opportunity to face these barriers together, to build confidence and resilience through a positive relationship.

If you are interested in becoming a NEW virtual mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, please visit: www.bigbendmentoring.org.