Exciting Announcement:

Meet our new Executive Director at Boys and Girls Club Family Center

Dear Boys and Girls Club Family Center Community,

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Dr. Jada J. Waters as the new Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, effective May 19, 2025. Dr. Waters has been an active member of the Springfield community for more than two decades. Dr. Waters brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership in education, with over 20 years of dedicated service in K-12 and higher education. She has worked extensively with Springfield community partners and worked diligently to marshall resources and funding to serve the families and children in our community.

Dr. Waters is an accomplished educational leader whose professional journey has been marked by a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). In her most recent role as the Inaugural Director of DEIB for Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut, Dr. Waters successfully spearheaded the development and implementation of district-level equity policies, collaborated on comprehensive strategic operating plans, and created engaging, evidence-based professional learning programs for educators. Her leadership led to the establishment of the Jr. DEIB Change Agent program, fostering student leadership and engagement in equity initiatives.

Prior to her role in Middletown, Dr. Waters was a Co-Founding Assistant Principal at the High School of Commerce in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she led the planning and implementation of College and Career Pathways. Her dedication to aligning programming with educational standards and creating supportive pathways for students highlights her commitment to education and student success.

Dr. Waters is not only a strategic thinker but also a skilled community builder. She has maintained strong stakeholder communication through high-impact events and cultural celebrations, all while managing grants focused on mental health awareness in schools. Her proficiency in data-driven decision-making and program development will be instrumental in enhancing our programs and services.

We are confident that Dr. Waters’ vision and collaborative spirit will greatly benefit the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, enhancing our mission to empower young people in our community. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Jada J. Waters to our team. We look forward to her leadership and the positive impact she will bring to our organization.

Warm regards,

Tonya Ward

Interim President, Board of Directors

Boys and Girls Club Family Center

Tward@bgcafamilycenter.org