January 9, 2026
PORTAGE, IND. – JANUARY 9, 2025: — Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana (BGCGNWI) is proud to announce the appointment of Jerry Czarnecki as Vice President of Operations. A seasoned leader with deep roots in the Northwest Indiana community, Czarnecki joins the organization’s executive team to oversee operations across its nine Clubs and 11 Kidstop locations throughout Lake and Porter counties.
Czarnecki transitions to this role from the Portage Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Executive Director. His diverse professional background includes experience as an award-winning educator with 26 years of teaching experience, in municipal management with a tenure as City Manager for the City of Hastings, Michigan, and as a nonprofit leadership executive for a variety of social service organizations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jerry to our team as the new Vice President of Operations,” shared Mike Jessen, President & CEO at BGCGNWI. “He brings a tremendous wealth of leadership experience and a deep passion for serving the community and its children. As we continue to expand our impact for families across the region, Jerry’s expertise will be instrumental in ensuring our Clubs continue providing the meals, mentorship, and meaningful life experiences that help our youth thrive.”
In his new capacity, Czarnecki will be focused on driving operational consistency, enhancing member experiences, and fostering community partnerships to ensure long-term sustainability for BGCGNWI’s life-changing programs.
“I am honored to join an organization that is so fundamentally vital to the success of our region’s youth,” said Czarnecki. “The Clubs are more than just a place to go after school; they are hubs of growth and opportunity. I am excited for the possibilities this position brings and look forward to working alongside this dedicated team to help our members realize their full potential.”
Czarnecki holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education from Alma College and a master’s in educational leadership and administration from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. Having spent the majority of his career teaching, coaching, and mentoring students from elementary school through college, he is deeply passionate about making a lasting impact on the lives of young people. This dedication, combined with extensive leadership roles focused on supporting families and children, makes him uniquely qualified to lead the organization’s dynamic operations.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana provides safe and enriching environments for young people, offering programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, and healthy lifestyles. Serving nearly 8,500 youth annually throughout Lake and Porter Counties, the organization is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.