Jeffrey Booker, a native of Benton Harbor, MI, started in July as the associate executive director of The Bridge Golf Foundation. He recently fielded some questions from Executive Director and Co-Founder Farrell Evans.
FE: What attracted you most to The Bridge Golf Foundation?
JB: It was the impact the Foundation is currently making, and the unlimited opportunities that we could provide for young men of color using STEM education along with the fundamentals of golf.
FE: What was your role in your previous job with the Boys and Girls Club in Benton Harbor, and some of the accomplishments and challenges you had in that position?
JB: Previously, my role was Teen Center Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Benton Harbor. I served in the role for three years. We successfully implemented a three-year turnaround plan that exceeded attendance goals, from 5-10 to 125 teens a day within 19 months. Under my leadership, qualified and high quality staff/instructors were implemented to change the culture and create a supporting environment for teens.
The Teen Center earned a reputation with teens for providing tutors to help with homework and subject mastery; assisting with college selection and admission, and visits to schools and colleges to create individualized plans after high school graduation; and recognizing school grade, attendance, and graduation achievement.
FE: What was your childhood like in Benton Harbor?
JB: My childhood in Benton Harbor was tough. However, I had a support system that created ambition in my work, and it led to my drive to want others to be successful.
FE: What was the major event or mentor that got you on the right course to become a leader in youth development?
JB: I have a host of mentors who have served in this role throughout my youth development tenure, whether it was the beginning of the journey to try a new field or a mentor that pushed me to do a better job each day. Each have served right on time.
FE: What book are you reading now and why?
JB: Currently, I am reading “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High.” It is a great book for personal and professional development. I was given this book to read in a leadership group.
FE: What will you miss most about Michigan?
JB: I will miss the Great Lakes. Michigan is surrounded by an amazing geographic landmark. There are times I would go to the beach and get lost in the clouds.