BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS BOARD NAMES BRANDON WILLIAMS NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO
(St. Louis, Mo. – November 7, 2024) — The Board of Directors for Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) announced today the appointment of Brandon Williams as the organization’s new President & Chief Executive Officer. Williams, a St. Louis native and former NFL player, will assume the role on Jan. 1.
Williams brings more than 15 years of experience in business-to-business marketing, sales, media, sports, and innovations to the position. He comes to BGCSTL from the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he was Vice President of Team Business and Event Operations. He led the team’s market relaunch, fostering community partnerships with local organizations. His leadership engaged over 350,000 fans and secured over 20 corporate partnerships, generating more than $18 million in economic impact.
Williams will take over from BGCSTL President Dr. Flint Fowler. Dr. Fowler led the Club for nearly 30 years, growing it from one site to several locations, serving children and their families. Today, 14,000 children and their families use BGCSTL in Missouri and Illinois for after-school, teen, sports, and summer programs.
Jim Clark, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said, “We welcome Brandon to our Club family and look forward to him continuing and growing Flint Fowler’s legacy in the St. Louis region.”
Mark E. Stallion, Chair of the BGCSTL Board of Directors and partner at the UB Greensfelder law firm said, “Change like this is sweet sorrow. Brandon impressed the board immensely, which is no small feat when our measure was Dr. Fowler’s amazing impact on our community—across several counties in two states.
Stallion added, “We wish Dr. Fowler and his wife, June, all the best for a well-earned retirement.”
Williams said, “I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity. Growing up in St. Louis left an indelible mark on my life. Growing up as a Club youth, I understand how important BGCSTL is to the fabric of our community. Our youth are the next generation of leaders, and it’s my duty to ensure we continue the legacy of providing them with a safe environment where they can thrive.”
A graduate of Hazelwood East, Williams was a two-time Second-Team All-State player. His NFL career began after he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He was a third-round draft pick (#84 overall) with San Francisco. He played for two seasons with the 49ers before signing with the St. Louis Rams. In 2009, he finished his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
His diverse experience includes roles as a financial advisor, motivational speaker, NFL analyst on the Big 10 Network and ESPN, the author of “Millionaire Mindset—7 Principles Athletes Need for Financial Freedom,” and an entrepreneur. Williams strongly believes his purpose is to share the principles that guided his successful post-NFL career and offer a transformational perspective on leadership and life in all his endeavors.
In 2023, the St. Louis Business Journal recognized Williams as a “40 Under 40” influential business executive to watch. He also received Missouri Athletic Club’s prestigious Jack Buck Award. Williams is active in his community as a proud Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. member and currently serves on the board of Behavioral Health Response.
Prior to joining the St. Louis Battlehawks, Williams represented brands that produced hundreds of millions in sales revenue at Anheuser-Busch. He successfully led a team that oversaw logistics, supply, graphics, legal, procurement, and brewery operations.
He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from Lindenwood University, and a life coaching certification.
Dr. Fowler will assist Williams with the transition through the end of the year.
####
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. BGCSTL provides after-school, teen, sports, and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow. The clubs serve youth across the region at twelve locations, including Adams Park, Bethalto, Hazelwood Elementary School, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, and the Teen Center of Excellence in Ferguson. We also operate Mentor St. Louis and the St. Louis Internship Program.