On August 10, Russellville native Amber Mickles took the reigns as CEO of the Diamond Hills Boys & Girls Club. This volunteer at heart is truly an asset and treasure within the community.
Mickles and her husband, Eric, are proud parents and grandparents. These “empty nesters” have filled their home with the company of three dogs, one cat and many chickens.
Mickles got her start with the club after moving to Paris. “I registered my daughter for softball and was asked to coach. I have never played softball and really knew nothing of the sport,” shared Mickles. “However, I volunteered anyway, because that is what you do! It was a wonderful experience actually.”
While working at the library in Paris, Mickles was able to partner with the Paris club to bring library programs and summer entertainment to kids. “The club did not have the means to transport the kids, so we went to them,” Mickles added.
As the club’s leader, Mickles plans to futher community partnerships and “keep a pulse in every town where we have a club location.” Mickles went on to stress the importance of fulfilling the club’s mission:
To enable all youth, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
“I truly believe that we all have something that we can contribute to the betterment of our communities and when we come together we can make a huge impact,” Mickles explained. “The children that attend our clubs and/or involved in our sports programs need to know that they have community members cheering them on.”
Although Mickles has only been with the club for a short time, she has not wasted time in achieving her goals. Mickles is spending time with staff, and she’s impressed with the “amazing team that is committed to their area’s kids.” She added that the “BGC of the Diamond Hills also has an amazing and engaged board of directors. I look forward to working with them and growing those relationships.”
These interactions will help formulate a working plan so the team can work together and meet the needs of the children.
“I absolutely love to see children’s faces light up! And when a kid takes the time to draw you a picture or write you a note, you know you’re doing something right,” concluded Mickles. “It truly is the most gratifying job to work with kids. Obviously, it’s not always ideal, but kids sure know how to motivate you to continue on. When you can make an investment in the lives of children, you know that you are helping to impact your community long term.”
The children in the area of Alma, Mountainburg, Mulberry and Paris are fortunate to have Mickles at the helm. Her extensive experience in community programming, partnersips, leadership roles, grant writing and fundraising efforts ensure an exciting future is ahead.
