Thursday, October 3, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This WeekOGDENSBURG – After nearly 20 years at the helm of the Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club, Tom Luckie Jr. will officially retire from the chief position at the end of the year.
Luckie has overseen massive growth and development at the club during his tenure and helped provide a safe place to learn and play for Ogdensburg youth.
Megan McNamara will assume the Executive Director position effective January 1, 2025.
McNamara has been employed by the Club for 21 years, and served the last 12 as the assistant executive director.
As a “Club Kid” herself and long-time employee, Megan’s steadfast dedication and commitment to the mission of the Club, the youth we serve, and the community, has prepared her to successfully step into this next role., a release from the board of directors says.
“Throughout her time at the Club, she has established strong relationships with members, alumni, staff, volunteers, community stakeholders, and members of the Board of Directors. The Board is confident that the Club, our members and community will continue to be well-served under Megan’s stewardship.”
Thomas Luckie Jr. was hired as the Assistant Director in October of 1998 and assumed the Executive Director position in February of 2006.
Luckie won’t be stepping away completely just yet. Officials say he will continue to serve the club in a part-time role as Director of Development and Major Gifts focusing on ensuring the sustainability and growth of the Club’s financial resources.
“Under Tom’s leadership, the Club has seen exceptional growth in member attendance, yearlong programming, financial resources, facility upgrades and expansion including the new Preston C. Carlisle Youth Athletic Center. The Club serves a daily average of 150 youth after school and summer attendance has steadily grown. Tom’s leadership has ushered in a wide array of effective programming aimed at promoting and nurturing learning, leadership skills, personal growth, positive social behavior, good character, and healthy lifestyle choices. Under his visionary leadership, the Club has thrived ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of the community,” a release from the directors said. “Working together over the past 21 years, Tom and Megan’s leadership, commitment and engagement have positively impacted the lives of countless young people. Together, they have worked tirelessly to ensure the Club is a place where members feel safe, welcomed, and are provided opportunities to help each reach their full potential.”
In a statement released Oct. 3, officials said that while they are “sad to see Tom go, he certainly has earned a restful and rewarding retirement and we congratulate him on his 26-plus years of dedicated service.”
“We look forward to his new role with the Club and to the next chapter in the Club’s history under Megan’s leadership as Executive Director,” the statement said.
Aside from enriching the lives of Ogdensburg-area children the OBGC has also long hosted the Expo which is one of the city’s largest annual events.
While the club expanded in many ways under Luckie’s leadership to include educational opportunities, one of the greatest and most recent additions was the Preston C. Carlisle Youth Athletic Center which was completed in 2022.
The expansion along with the new gymnasium also included six baskets, bleachers and air conditioning.
It was made possible through the efforts of Luckie and community donors to include the Clarlise family for which it was named after.
