Submitted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County
Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) announced long-serving Thurston County educator and school administrator, Chris Woods, as its Chief Executive Officer. Woods’ selection came following an extensive national search. Most recently, he served as Assistant Superintendent for the Tumwater School District and brings to BGCTC a long history of commitment to youth and community collaboration through his experiences as teacher, principal, coach, and administrator.
“Chris has been an effective and dedicated educator and leader in Thurston County for decades,” said Whitney Holm, BGCTC Board President. “His commitment to youth and experience developing community and school partnerships are strengths that made him the ideal candidate to lead our organization and advance our mission to help youth realize their greatness.”
While serving the Tumwater School District, Woods led the transition process moving the 6th grade program from six elementary schools to two middle schools. The process included navigating a transition plan that honored the needs and involvement of those impacted while providing extensive communications and timely information to all involved, including students. Other achievements in this position include:
- Refining the process for school improvement planning.
- Improving district-wide professional development.
- Expanding summer school programming.
Building on BGCTC’s most recent successes, Woods will continue increasing program quality, advocating for youth development, and working to reach more youth. Woods assumes this new role on April 8, 2019.
Raised in Thurston County, his commitment to youth and the community are evident in his having attended Olympia schools as well as 20+ years of experience and expertise serving youth of all ages and grade levels. He has also served as a board member for the Briggs YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Washington; a coach with Thurston County Youth Football League, South Sound Baseball, and the YMCA; and a volunteer with Greater Olympia Young Life and West Olympia Rotary.
Chris and his wife Julie, a teacher with the Olympia School District, have three children. Their oldest son, Conner, attends Grand Canyon University; their son Tyler is a junior in high school; and their daughter, Hadley, is in 8th grade.
