San Diego County CA— Pro Kids | The First Tee of San Diego today announced that CEO Keith Padgett will retire effective April 30, 2016 in order to spend more time with his family. Padgett assumed the CEO role in 2014, the year of Pro Kids’ 20^th anniversary.
Padgett has dedicated his life to serving underprivileged youth. During his 45 year career, Padgett led prominent nonprofit organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. While at Pro Kids, he spearheaded the development of the organization’s five-year strategic plan, a collaborative effort by Pro Kids’ staff and board members.
“My goal as Pro Kids’ CEO has been to strengthen the impact of our programs, our relationships with the San Diego business community, and our appeal to donors and volunteers,” said Padgett. “I feel we have accomplished all those things while enriching the lives of thousands of kids. It’s been an honor to be part of the Pro Kids family.”
An outgrowth of Pro Kids strategic planning process is the Academy, a more structured academic program designed to help kids achieve grade-level proficiency in reading and math, gain interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) studies through golf, and develop “soft skills” like resilience, professionalism, and self-sufficiency. The Academy formally launched last fall.
“Keith has been a tremendous asset to Pro Kids,” said board president Bill Fontana. “His capacity for strategic thinking and team building has served the organization well, and he will be missed by board, staff, and kids.”
A board search committee is currently selecting Padgett’s successor.