CluB DireCtor Bios

paula GuytoN an alumna of lemoyne-owen College and Memphis native, paula has been a staff member of the BGC for over 10 years. in her time, she was awarded the professional staff of the year and was the Going the extra Mile Nominee and Winner. paula currently serves as the executive Director of the sycamore View Branch.

ViNsoN sMith a highly decorated retired senior Naval officer who served his country for thirty-one years and eleven months, admiral smith earned his Bachelors’ Degree from tennessee technological university and Masters’ Degrees from salve regina university and the united states Naval War College. he now serves our country in yet another role: mentoring the youth of Memphis as the executive Director of the Bernal e. smith sr. Club.

roN NelsoN a Memphis Native and graduate of lemoyne-owen College with a degree in political science, ron has served the BGC for almost eight years. he has managed to instill positive character and leadership skills for over 500 youth in this time. ron is currently serving as the interim executive Director of the John Dustin Branch.

proGraM DireCtor Bios

DeMario Byers moved to Memphis at an early age and graduated from frayser high. he received his bachelors degree in psychology from Victory university, graduating with honors. DeMario is currently enrolled in the graduate program at Victory university in pursuit of a Masters degree in psychology and professional Counseling. for ten years DeMario has helped found, fund and direct various youth programs such as hopes and hoops basketball training camp and GyM (GoD’s young Men) Ministries. DeMario has also coached basketball for different aau teams throughout the city as well as coaching middle school basketball at Grace st. luke. he joined the Boys & Girls Clubs in 2013 and currently serves as the program Director at the porter Goodwill Branch.

BrittaNy hart was born and raised in savannah, tN. she graduated from the university of Memphis in 2010 with a degree in psychology. she was employed with Buckman Boys and Girls Club in 2008 as the computer lab instructor and later volunteered as the CBay teacher. after graduation, she worked at youth Villages as a family Counselor for 3 ½ years before accepting the program director position at Buckman in June of 2014.

DoNtae saiNe is a Native of Memphis, tN. he attended southwest tennessee Community College, where he received his associate degree in Computer engineering technology. Dontae is an excellent and outgoing person who shares the passion for working with youths. Dontae was a member who grew up in the ira samelson Jr., Boys & Girls Club. he also begin working as a part-time staff there once he graduated high school. he received staff of the year award the following year by being hardworking and dedicated to his commitment.

akuMDi okWuMBua ifeakumdin’chi (My Wealth is in the lord) was raised in Memphis, tN. he attended Memphis Central high school and graduated with a B.s. in psychology from southern university Baton rouge. he has mentored and worked with inner city youth since his early teenage years and understands what it means to be a leader and positive role model to kids of all ages. he has been a staff member of Boys and Girls Club Greater Memphis since 2006, and now serves as program Director of the sycamore View Branch.

5900 laWreNCe youNG came to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis years ago as a club member at the Goodwill unit. he joined the south side unit as a part-time staff where he wore many hats including being the Job ready Coordinator. he is a recent college graduate as a result of a university of phoenix/Boys & Girls of america scholarship for Boys & Girls Club members and staff. he now serves as the program Director at the Bernal e. smith sr. unit setting a great example for the members of what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.