Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan Adds to Executive Leadership Team

DETROIT – March 9, 2020 –The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) recently announced three new executive hires, Wendy Yates as Chief Financial Officer, Antonice Strickland as Senior Director, Marketing and Public Relations, and Russell Harris Jr. as Area Director covering Auburn Hills, Romulus and Belleville. 

“As we continue our bold vision of reimagining the future for 15,000 youth across Southeastern Michigan, we must ensure we have the infrastructure and human capital needed for sustainable impact,” said Shawn Wilson, President & CEO of BGCSM. “Wendy, Antonice and Russell are excellent additions to an already best in class group of innovative professionals.”

Wendy Yates brings over 26 years of finance experience to the BGCSM with her most recent experience as Chief Financial Officer at Financial One Accounting providing services to multiple non-profits and as an Engagement Manager for Experis Finance. She has the added ability building relationships to provide support through acquisitions, consolidations and in leading diverse companies to financial success and stability.  She brings expertise in strengthening processes and procedures, building collaborative relationships and leading diverse companies with vision and integrity. 

Antonice Strickland is an experienced public relations and strategic communications professional with an immense passion for service, education, and diversity advocacy in corporate spaces. She brings deep relationships with local and national media and creative thought to support internal and external communications. Prior to joining BGCSM team she was a Senior Account Executive for Truscott Rossman and Communications Manager for the Black Women’s Health Imperative. Currently Antonice serves as the vice-president of the Black Public Relations Society Detroit Chapter and on the Public Relations Society of America-Detroit Board of Directors.

Russell Harris Jr. has an extensive background in secondary and postsecondary education, specializing in: professional development, educational consulting, student retention and recruitment, coaching and development, mentoring, and male development. Prior to joining the BGCSM team he served as the Chief Dream Director of the Future Project, as well as the Principal of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Russell currently serves as Board Chair for Black Male Educators Alliance of Michigan and is a valued member of the military, proudly serving in the U.S. Army- National Guard.