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.
An Evansville native, Shanna Groeninger joined the Boys & Girls Club in 2013. Shanna is a University of Southern Indiana graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations. She helps the Club reach annual financial responsibilities through corporate and individual partnerships, oversees Club media relations and special events, and works closely with Board committees. She helped the Club earn the 2017 MAC gold award for PR Strategy from Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
When away from the office, she enjoys taking in sports, raising her 3 children, and being outdoors.
Born and raised in Southern Indiana, Gabi was our first intern at the Club during her senior year of college. She graduated from Oakland City University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing in May of 2023. Immediately following graduation, she took a position with the Evansville Otters as their Director of Marketing & Community Relations and has served in that position the last two seasons.
In her free time Gabi likes to go to local coffee shops, attend sporting events, crafting and hanging out with friends and family.
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.
An Evansville native, Jared graduated from Harrison High School and continued his education at University of Evansville where he graduated with a dual- degree in Public Relations & Advertisement along with Health Communications. Jared also graduated with a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Southern Indiana. When away from the office, he enjoys sports, watching movies, and enjoys spending time with family and friends.
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, Emily received her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2019. She joined the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville in 2024 following her position as teen and children programmer at Newburgh Chandler Public Library. In her free time she likes to spend time with her pets; Cross Stitch and Read.
A Daviess County, IN native, Jacqueline joined the Evansville Boys & Girls Club in May 2024. She previously worked in library services in Levy County, FL planning children and teen programs, delivering books and supplies to the libraries, and much more. In her free time, she likes to read and spend time with her family.
