Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks picks new leader
May 23—Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading & Berks County has turned to a familiar face in its search for a new leader.
The club's board of directors announced Thursday that it has selected Rick Perez as the new chief executive officer. A Berks native, Perez was an Olivet "club kid" as a child, taking part in a variety of activities as a member of Olivet's Clinton Street location.
"This is a full-circle moment for me," Perez said in a statement announcing his hiring. "Olivet kids are all heart and guts, and we will give them the best. I'm excited and grateful for this opportunity."
The former head coach of the Reading High School boys basketball team — who led the team to three state titles — will begin his role as CEO on June 17.
Olivet has been without a permanent CEO since former CEO Christopher Winters left the organization in December. Modesto Fiume, president of Opportunity House in Reading, has been serving as interim CEO since early March.
The Olivet board approved Perez's hiring unanimously during a board meeting Wednesday. Search committee chair Angel Helm said the choice was an easy one.
"Rick is a rising star and we are excited that he is bringing his light and leadership to Olivet," she said. "His all-in approach will help to secure a bright future for our organization and members."
Perez said that his own experience growing up in Berks — he's a graduate of Wilson High School — gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the kids served by Olivet. He said he has found himself knocked down many times, but has always managed to get back up and find success.
"It wasn't easy to deal with as a young adult, to be honest," he said. "I had to learn the hard way, but I know everything that happens in life has a greater purpose. Olivet played a vital role in teaching me these life lessons.
"I'll be able to use my comeback stories and experiences to build on Olivet's legacy and connect with a new generation of Olivet members."
Olivet board chair P. Sue Perrotty said she loves the idea of former Olivet kids like Perez coming back to support the organization, which has served the greater Reading community for more than a century. And, she said, Perez has exactly what it takes to help guide the organization into the future.
"Rick is a skilled leader who is rooted in our community," she said. "I believe he is the right person to inspire our members, partner with our board and staff and lift our organization as we transition into out next chapter."
Perrotty said Perez knows what it takes to build a champion, and that she knows he will bring a unique spirit and energy to Olivet.
"Rick's game plan will include ensuring members have safe spaces to explore and foster their interests, from the arts and athletics to STEM programs and volunteer service," she said.
Along with being a graduate of Wilson, Perez also earned undergraduate degrees at West Chester University and Marywood University and is studying to become a licensed clinical social worker. Perez was most recently employed as the director of RIver Rock Academy's Clifton Heights Campus.
Perez lives in Muhlenberg Township with his wife, Kristin, and their three children.
