A Chicago native, Ron Ryan moved to the area 24 years ago. With a vivid background in education and coaching, Ron has a true passion for our community’s youth. Combined, Ron has over 35 years experience in coaching, coordinating, directing and managing students and various personnel. His education includes University of Illinois at Chicago (Bachelor of Science in Kinesoliogy), Chicago State University (Master of Science in Physical Education), St. Xavier University and Governor’s State University where he received his Masters of Arts in Educational Administration.
Ron is very active in the community serving on various Boards and committees including: Evansville Sports Corporation Board member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Indiana Lilly Steering Committee member, Advocacy Committee member, CEO Leadership Council member, Indiana Alliance Board member, Indiana Alliance Indiana Kids Committee member, and Allocations Committee member. Ron is also a 2013 recipient of the Indiana Outstanding Club Professional Award designated by the Boys & Girls Club of America, the 2018 Boys & Girls Clubs of America Midwest Region Horizon Award winner, past United Way Planning Committee member and former United Way Agency Director Chair.
An Evansville native, Andrew Backes graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Southern Indiana in 2010. He joined the staff in 2023 after previously serving as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana. Andrew’s responsibilities include meeting with donors, stakeholders, and helping guide future strategies. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, Andrea, and two daughters, Adalyn and Ava. He loves Notre Dame football, golf, and all things outdoors.
For the past seven years Scott has helped lead our programming. He develops key programming activities and assists with social media. As a Kentucky native, Scott was previously introduced to the Boys & Girls Club through working at the Club in Bowling Green.
Scott is creatively inspiring and hosts his own podcasts. He is a 2023 Extraordinary Service Award recipient, receiving the Club’s honor for his willingness to go above and beyond the normal performance of duty and service to the youth served daily.
Born and raised in Southern Indiana, Haley has always had a passion for helping others. She began her career with Boys & Girls Club in 2023 as the Director of Office Administration assisting with all matters of office management including day-to-day accounting, record keeping, and maintaining handbook requirements. Haley came to us with over 6 years of Human Resources experience in a healthcare setting, with a particular dedication for helping those with mental and physical disabilities. She brings her positivity into the work environment every day to ensure that paperwork is never a dull ordeal. In her free time, Haley enjoys spending time with family, listening to 70’s music, and whipping up comfort food recipes.
Born in Trinidad, West Indies, Chris has lived in the tri-state area for over three decades. He has an extensive background in education and coaching, with over 30 years’ experience. Chris is a practicing servant leader. His education includes Butler University (Bachelor of Science in Marketing), Oakland City University (Master of Science in Management) and currently attends Oakland City University (Education Doctorate). As Education Director, Chris plans on servicing the area’s youth by offering high level learning opportunities through his passion for education, art, music and sports.
A Henderson, KY native, Sonia joined the Evansville Boys & Girls Club in October 2023. As a 2007 graduate of University of Evansville, Sonia graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts. Before beginning her role with Boys & Girls Club of Evansville she was the Education Director at the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club Henderson. She is a former substitute teacher within the Henderson County School System, a Mead Johnson retiree and an active member of the Henderson Youth Basketball Association.
An Evansville native, Cher’Rita received her bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Southern Indiana. She previously supported youth through Aurora as a Family Outreach Coordinator and began her position at the Club in 2023. As Social, Emotional, and Wellness Director, Cher’Rita implements programs at four Club sites teaching youth healthy habits surrounding social and emotional health.
During her time away from the Club, she sings in a local band, loves anything that has to do with the arts, is a horror movie fanatic, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Marissa Sturgill is a Milligan College graduate. She grew up in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in East Tennessee and became a Girl Scout camp director at Camp Sky-Wa-Mo; a camp she attended with her troop as a brownie girl scout. Marissa received American Camp Association Accreditation for her time as Girl Scout camp director and has led many programs and outdoor activities; including planning trips to Girl Guide centers in Britain and Switzerland.
In recent years, Marissa has been a pre-school teacher in Knoxville, TN. To help prepare students for Kindergarten she taught science, math, literacy, art and social-emotional. Her favorite children’s authors include Mo Willems, Eric Carle, and Dr. Seuss.
