CLARKSVILLE, TN – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville is looking for a new executive director. After five years in the position, Chris Buerck is leaving the long-standing youth mentoring program to relocate with her family to Louisville, Kentucky.
“I am so proud of our program and the immense good it does for youth in the community. I am sad to leave BBBS and Clarksville, but I am confident the agency will continue to thrive under new leadership and that the community will continue to support the mission and empower potential,” Buerck said.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville was created in 1975 to pair youth facing adversity (called “Littles”) in a match with caring adult mentors (called “Bigs”) who could open new opportunities for them. Buerck started as executive director in 2017, and has grown the agency, setting it up to continue the mission of creating and supporting one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
“Chris has been an immense blessing to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clarksville and to the entire community. I am confident that I speak for the entire board when I say that we are all saddened by her departure but wish her the best of luck and look forward to her doing great things in her next community,” said BBBS Board President Jenn McMillion. “Chris has positioned our organization to continue the growth and development under the new executive director.”
In 2022, the agency exceeded its goal of creating 30 new matches by pairing 36 youth in mentoring relationships, a record high in the past five years. Buerck helped the agency grow to serving nearly 100 youth annually, and successfully steered the agency through the pandemic, supporting dozens of youths and parents. Fundraisers like the upcoming Bowl For Kids Sake in April also increased under Buerck’s leadership, and have helped fund that growth, the enrollment process and ongoing support for youth, volunteers and parents.
Buerck said she will miss hearing stories about breakthroughs and funny conversations from Matches and being stopped in the grocery store to hear about how mentoring has changed someone’s life. She will remain with the agency through Feb. 15, as the Board of Directors searches for a replacement.
“Chris has been amazing for BBBS during her time as the executive director. When I returned to the board in 2018, the agency was struggling, and she was tasked with turning it around. Her hard work in crafting a great staff and board, as well as her dedication to fundraising for the agency, has made a tremendous difference in the direction of BBBS in this community,” said longtime Board Member Stacey Streetman. “Her passion for the mission is overwhelming and we are grateful she will be helping with the transition.”
The Board of Directors is posting for the position Dec. 16 and hopes to have a new executive director named by the end of January. The position is posted on Indeed and www.CNM.org Interested parties may send a resume, cover letter and references to jobs@bbbsclarksville.org.