WINTERVILLE — On Thursday, Chief Operating Officer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain, Donyell Jones was named 2019 Southeast Professional of the Year at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America 2019 SE Leadership Conference held in Daytona, Florida.

Selected from among 2,500 youth development professionals across the southeast, DJ was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the lives of young people across eastern North Carolina. Each year, BGCA awards the Professional of the Year to an individual who has made significant contributions to field within the Boys & Girls Clubs movement, and the award is presented to a national member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Professional Association.

Thursday, DJ accepted the award representing more than 3,000 young people, 168 full and part-time staff and 154 board members comprising the Coastal Plain organization.

A 20-year veteran of Boys & Girls Clubs, DJ held many roles in the youth development space, including nine years as a club director in Raleigh, four years as a CEO in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and six years as part of the Coastal Plain. DJ has dedicated his entire career to the well-being of youth — youth like him. DJ is an amazing example of the power of Clubs and its impact on the lives of young people. As a 12-year member of the Boys Club in Raleigh, DJ began a journey when he walked in those Club doors that continues with the acceptance of the 2019 SE Professional of the Year Award on Thursday. DJ works tirelessly to ensure all young people in our care have access to bright futures. Congratulations to DJ and to the entire Jones family!

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. There are 17 clubs throughout Pitt, Beaufort, Lenoir, Martin, Greene, Carteret and Craven counties serving approximately 1,300 members daily and 3,600 annually. Club programs focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles and character and citizenship, with an over-arching goal of building strong children and communities. For more information, visit the Clubs online at www.bgccp.com or call 252-355-2345.