Our Leadership

Steven Mickens
Chief Executive Officer

Steve’s role as Chief Executive Officer includes working closely with the Board of Directors to provide the vision, lead the growth, and implement the strategic plan of Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier. Steve is responsible for bringing our mission to life in the community by working to ensure Clubs provide a safe and fun space where all our members can achieve Great Futures. Steve is involved in managing caring Club professionals ensuring a world class Club Experience. Steve has been involved with Boys & Girls Clubs since 2004 and began his current role in 2011.  With Steve in the top leadership position, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier has grown to include 11 school sites, 3 Club locations, and 1 Community Impact Program, serving approximately 6,000 youth and teens ages 6 – 18 through a variety of proven development programs. He recently expressed his commitment by saying “I have the privilege of working side by side with exceptional people within our organization and within a great community that is dedicated to helping young people. We set high expectations for our staff and youth to truly inspire greatness in the young people who need us most.” In 2017, Steve was invited to attend the Harvard Business School Executive Education Leadership Summit. In addition, Steve has been the recipient of numerous awards from the Boys & Girls Clubs including the 2017 Robert M. Sykes Award for Professional Excellence (National); 2016 Professional of the Year (Area); 2016 Executive of the Year (Regional); 2015 Executive of the Year (Regional). Steve regularly participates in Executive training and holds a degree in Communication and Media Studies from St. Francis College.

Email Steven or call 770-532-8102, ext. 303

Wanda Newton
Director of Operations

Wanda oversees operations of Unit Clubs and programs with the primary concern for program development and implementation; staff development; supervision of assigned Directors and other staff; facilities; and budget management. She is also responsible for assisting the Executive Director in providing the overall direction to the organization in fulfilling the mission. Wanda came to Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier in 2018 with 20 years experience at The Salvation Army including 11 years as Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs in Baltimore, MD. She has served in diverse roles including Territorial Director of Character Building, Camps and Community Centers, Athletic Director, Unit Director to Executive Director. Wanda holds a degree in Political Science from Towson University, Towson, MD.

Email Wanda or call 770-532-8102 ext. 310

Joyce Wilson
Chief Development Officer

As Chief Development Officer, Joyce provides leadership and oversight for all resource development and marketing strategies. She works with a talented development team and volunteers to secure the financial resources the organization needs to fulfill its mission of helping youth in the Lanier area reach their full potential. Joyce joined Boys & Girls Clubs in 2002 and has been instrumental in the growth of the Clubs. With more than 30 years of effective leadership in non-profit management experience, Joyce has in-depth knowledge of strategic planning, staff hiring and supervision, board relations, volunteer management, and budget and financial development. Joyce attended Brenau University and University of Kentucky, with a major in major Business Administration. Joyce is a graduate of the Boys & Girls Clubs Leadership University School of Executive Leadership through the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business.

Email Joyce or call 770-532-8102, ext. 306

Charles Nkanza
Finance Director

Charles maintains accurate grant reporting, financial reporting and support of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors and comes to Boys and Girls Clubs of Lanier with 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit world. His professional experience includes The Salvation Army where he held positions as Executive Administrator and Accountant. Charles holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with a Minor in Business Management, as well as, certifications in Professional Bookkeeping and Accounting. He has a love for music and passion for serving others.

Email Charles or call 770-532-8102, ext. 307

Shay Lewis-Hartley
Director of Program Development

Shay oversees the delivery of programs in the three pillars of Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship and Healthy Lifestyles. She is responsible for developing and supervising all Club Unit Directors and School Site Coordinators along with their program staff. She is also responsible for outcomes measurement, assessments, and evaluation. Shay holds a degree in Business Administration from Augusta State University with a concentration in Accounting. Shay has been involved in Boys & Girls Clubs since 2012 and in her current role since August 2017. Shay was awarded a full-tuition scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and University of Phoenix to complete a master’s degree in 2017. She was also recognized as a Georgia Emerging Leader Fellow by the GA Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs in 2017.

Email Shay or call 770-532-8102

Valerie Rossell
Human Resources Manager

Valerie oversees workforce employment, performance and risk management with emphasis in successful full-cycle recruitment and on boarding, career development, employee relations, and governance of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and safety organizationally for all staff. Valerie came to Boys & Girls Clubs of Hall County in 2015 and returned in 2020 to continue the mission of the organization. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN and a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certificate from the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Email Valerie or call 770-532-8102 ext. 302