Kedrick Jeffries, who has been with the Boys and Girls Club for eight years with his most recent position being Chief Programs Officer, has been selected as the new CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas (BBBS). However, these two organizations were not the start of his working with the youth in the community.
Jeffries is an East Austin native, a proud product of the Austin Independent School District, and a graduate of Lyndon B. Johnson High School. He grew up watching the progress of BBBS from his backyard, but never actually attended. Starting in 2004, he began working with the youth through Communities in Schools (CIS), a community that supports and empowers students to stay in school and overcome personal challenges. He has also provided services through the Austin and Pflugerville ISD’s.
Growing up, I lived right behind it as a kid. We literally shared a fence. And now I am so fortunate to have been chosen to be out in front leading the organization.
“I’m writing my history as we go. Growing up, I lived right behind it [Big Brothers Big Sisters] as a kid. We literally shared a fence. And now I am so fortunate to have been chosen to be out in front leading the organization.”
Outside of working with the children of our community, Jeffries is also a current fellow of the African American Leadership Institute and the Minister of Music at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Austin.
Jeffries said his plan as the new CEO is to expand. His biggest goal is to get the 200 children on the waiting list the mentors that they need. “Every kid that needs a mentor gets a mentor,” he stated.
We could really use mentors, especially men of color, in the Cedar Park, Buda, and Kyle areas
Kedrick mentioned he looks forward to meeting all the stakeholders and working with his board to further the mission of getting these Central Texas youth mentors. He also looks forward to making new connections as well as growing his current relationships to help build the organization.
“If you have an hour a week to impart in a young person’s life, reach out to us online. We could really use mentors, especially men of color, in the Cedar Park, Buda, and Kyle areas.”
