Boys & Girls Club Illinois Alliance names new CEO

The Boys & Girls Club Illinois Alliance recently announced that Awisi Bustos has been appointed the new CEO, effective Jan. 17.

Bustos is first-generation Ghanaian American who was born in Benin Cotonou and raised in Ghana, Ethiopia, Cuba, Belgium, and the United States. She most recently served as Senior Policy Adviser to Secretary Grace Hou of the Illinois Department of Human Services, and previously worked as the Northwest Illinois coordinator for Sen. Richard J. Durbin of Illinois.

"We are very excited to have Awisi leading our Illinois State Alliance," said Matt Watrous, lead director of government relations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Alliance board member.

"Our clubs have been making an incredible impact during the pandemic and recovery, and the Alliance is preparing to spur on continued growth of our work in Illinois. With her legacy in government work, public service, and her legal background, our future is bright with Awisi at the helm."

Bustos holds a BA in Political Science, French and Spanish International Studies from Purdue University, and a J.D. from University of Illinois Chicago Law School. Additionally, Bustos is fluent in five languages, including French, Spanish, Ga, and Twi (Ghanaian languages).

"I'm humbled and honored to serve," Bustos said. "Each day is a new day and a new opportunity to impact meaningful change in Illinois, and continue to build on the BGCA legacy of serving those who need us most."

The Illinois Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs represents 24 Boys & Girls Clubs - affiliated organizations throughout the state, furthering the mission to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Boys & Girls Clubs serve nearly 80,000 youth throughout Illinois - from Genesee to Carbondale and Moline to Danville. With clubs located in large urban areas such as Chicago, mid-sized cities such as Springfield and smaller communities such as Bethalto, clubs support youth who need us most and face many different challenges.

Boys & Girls Clubs' proven youth development model supports the needs youth have in common, such as the need to succeed academically, while allowing local cubs to tailor their programs and activities to the specific needs of their community's youth and families.

Learn more at bgcillinois.org.