Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pa. taps VP from Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership as new CEO

Boys and Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, a local nonprofit leader in childcare, youth programming and workforce development, has appointed a new president and CEO.

Chris Watts, who most recently served as vice president of district development at the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, has been tapped for the role.

“I am honored to lead the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania, an essential institution in our region since 1888 that does whatever it takes to ensure every child has an opportunity to thrive,” Watts said in a release. “To me, nothing is more important than helping kids have great futures and I believe that BGCWPA plays a critical role in building strong communities and advancing equity.”

In addition to his time at the PDP, Watts previously served as executive director of the National Fitness Foundation, where he led the Presidential Youth Fitness Program. He also worked to establish 4POINT4, a sportswear company that donates proceeds to charity, and he served as a fellow in the Obama Administration from 2010 to 2014.

“Thousands of kids and families rely on BGCWPA each day so it was important to find the right leader with the experience and vision to accelerate our mission,” Vince Morales, board chair of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, said in a release. “Chris looks forward to meeting, listening, and learning from our staff, our youth and their families, as well as our funders and partners. I am excited to welcome him to the team and lead us into the future.”

Watts is a Pittsburgh native and an alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University.