BROOKINGS – The Boys & Girls Club of Brookings has hired Chelsea Lang as its new executive director.

Lang began her journey with the Boys & Girls Club in May 2017 as the first- through fifth-grade program director responsible with program plans and impact programs in the unit as well as engaging club parents daily on youth behaviors, club events and activities. 

This past July, she was presented with the opportunity to fill in as the interim executive director in Yankton.

Lang then transitioned into her new role as the executive director in Brookings, overseeing the Clubhouse Preschool, First- through Fifth-Grade Club and the Teen Center. 

“Chelsea has been an excellent leader and advocate for children for our clubs over the last couple years. I am excited for Chelsea to take on her new role as executive director of the Brookings units. The club’s growth, change and opportunity has allowed us to create opportunities for leaders in our community and state. The team and I look forward to see the continued impact Chelsea will make,” said Vanessa Merhib, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Brookings.

Lang’s position is separate from that of Merhib, who in December announced her resignation from the club, effective May 24, 2019, as her family relocates to South Carolina. The BGCB board’s search for Merhib’s replacement is ongoing.

Lang earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of South Dakota. She then moved to Brookings to attend graduate school at South Dakota State University, where she earned her master’s degree in school counseling. It was then that she realized what an impact she could make at a place like the Boys & Girls Club while applying her degrees. 

“I have enjoyed the increase in leadership and the opportunity to utilize my various skillsets to help grow the club’s impact. Now, as Brookings executive director, I am thrilled to dive deeper into all of our programming and continue to help make the club a fun, safe and great environment for our youth,” Lang said. 

The Boys & Girls Club serving Brookings, Yankton and Moody County is a non-profit organization that served over 7,000 youth in out-of-school time in 2018. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club 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.”