Laci Maltbie began her role as CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in March 2024. With 25 years in the non-profit sector, she has dedicated her career to education, inclusive programming, workforce development, and organizational leadership. She earned her Master’s degree in Special Education from National University and also has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Wichita State University.

Her most recent role as the Director of Development for KU Endowment highlighted her leadership and development skills as she collaborated with faculty and doctors at the KU Medical Center’s School of Medicine, School of Nursing, and School of Health Professions to develop strategic partnerships and secure funding to support life-changing initiatives. Prior to joining the KU Endowment Association, Laci was the CEO of Sherwood Autism Center in Kansas City, MO where she led initiatives related to specialized education, workforce development, and advocacy for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Laci’s commitment to youth is clear in her long history as a teacher, school administrator, and driving philosophy that all children deserve a great future through quality education and community resources. She has developed programs throughout the West coast and Midwest region, raising the standard for children’s services.

In her free time, Laci enjoys going to the movies, traveling and spending time in nature with her family.

Laci’s +1: Positivity
Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: Nothing yet!
What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “BGCLK is special because it gives our youth a safe place to be their authentic selves, connect with their peers, and learn new skills that will empower them as they grow and work towards adulthood.”
Words to live by: “If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.” – Maya Angelou

Bio coming soon!

Andrew Edwards is a finance and accounting professional with over 13 years of experience across multiple industries within both the profit & non-profit sectors stretching across areas of focus in tax, cost, management, fund accounting, audit, compliance, as well as financial planning analysis.

Originally from Topeka, Andrew attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and played football. After college, Andrew spent four years in the Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer which included time spent in Virgina, North Carolina, as well as abroad in Morocco. Andrew credits his training and time in the Marine Corps for developing his leadership skills, project management abilities, in addition to strategic operational planning and execution.

Following his time in the Marine Corps, Andrew earned his Master of Science Degree in Accounting from University of Missouri – Kansas City. After living in the Kansas City metro area for the last 15+ years – Andrew and his wife, Dani, have been planning to move to Lawrence for a few years and officially became residents last summer. They currently have three dogs, three cats, and plans for plenty of hobby farm animals in the future. In his free-time Andrew enjoys watching and attending sporting events – especially Kansas City Chief games, listening to live music, chatting about classic cars, and making his gardening and greenhouse dreams happen. Andrew is thrilled to be joining BGCLK, helping strengthen the organization’s financial position, and ensure that the local young people of Lawrence can be helped for many more years to come.

Andrew will lead the finance department, and oversee grants, and operations.

Natalie Diggs was named the Vice President of Programs in August 2024. Previously, she served as the Director of Program Development from 2021-2024 and Area Director of the Boys & Girls Club Sunflower and Langston Hughes sites from 2018-2021. Natalie earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Middle School Science Education and Secondary Biology Education from the University of Missouri in 2010. Natalie previously taught fifth grade, as well as high school and middle school, in Jefferson City and St. Louis, Missouri. Natalie also coached competitive and school cheer and dance for 10+ years. She lives in Lawrence with her daughter and their dog, Charlie.

Natalie’s +1: Productive

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“You just need to do the best you can.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“BGC is so special to me because throughout all my years in education, this is the one organization that really does reach all corners of the community.”

Words to live by:

“In the journey of life, wherever you may go, keep your eye upon the doughnut & not upon the hole.”

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Kenton Holder was named the Director of Operations for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2017. That promotion came after an 11-year stint as the Club’s Assistant Director of Operations (2006-2017). Kenton got his start as a group leader at the Deerfield BGC site and quickly learned the ins-and-outs of creating a positive Club experience for kids and staff alike. 

Since Kenton joined the Movement in 2002, his impact on the Club is unquestionable. A jack-of-all-trades, Kenton really does specialize in everything. If he doesn’t know how to do something, give him a minute and he will figure it out. Kenton oversees transportation, facilities, technology, staff trainings, subs and community volunteer efforts. Kenton attended the University of Kansas for three years and obtained his degree from Johnson County Community College. He is a sports aficionado and particularly loves golf and basketball. 

His favorite Lawrence activity is either golfing or enjoying life as a dad. Kenton and his wife, Tracy, live in Lawrence with their four children.

Kenton’s +1: Reliable

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“Each day you have the opportunity to change someone’s life.”

Words to live by:

“You can’t stand in the same river twice. Each time it’s a new river. Everyday is a new experience, even if it feels the same.”

Bio coming soon!

Lindsay Bertels was named the Director of Programs for the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2021. Previously, Lindsay was the Area Director for our Deerfield, Schwegler and Sunset Hill sites since 2016. A member of the Movement for more than 12 years, Lindsay attended Deerfield Elementary as a student and went on to become a group leader and a Program Manager of her elementary home site. She held the Program Manager position for more than four years before being promoted to Area Director. Lindsay earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science with an emphasis on Autism from the University of Kansas. 

Prior to joining BGC, Lindsay worked for USD 497 and Papa Murphy’s Pizza. Legend has it, she is also a karaoke wizard. Her favorite Lawrence activities include walking on Mass Street with friends, biking on local trails and going to Orange Leaf. Lindsay lives in Lawrence with her husband, Dylan, her cat, Jax, and their dog, Dolly.

Lindsay’s +1: Yes!

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“I really don’t like wet farts.” (Moral of the story… don’t trust a wet fart.)

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“It is a safe and fun place for kids to be kids. A place where they can build lifelong friendships and memories.”

Words to live by:

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Amanda was named Director of Programs in 2024. Previously, she had worked as the Unit Director for Sunflower and Woodlawn, the Area Director for our Langston Hughes, Sunflower and Sunset Hill sites, and the Site Coordinator at our Sunflower site. Before working at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, she worked at the Schriever AFB Child Development Center for 2 1/2 years. You might not know that Amanda knows an alarming amount about dinosaurs and is also super into classic literature! Amanda lives in Lawrence with her son, Cole. 

Amanda’s +1: Perspective

Why? In working with youth, you often have to change your mindset when dealing with an obstacle, and see it from their perspective. 

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid:

“Ms. Amanda, you really gotta start drinking more water. You always have a coffee in your hand…”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: I have yet to spend a day at Club where I haven’t been reminded of why I am doing what I am doing, whether that’s talking with a member or a colleague.

Words to live by: “O lesson opportune, O how I welcome thee!” – Walt Whitman

Matthew Downing, more commonly known as “Cougar” was named the Director of Sports, Fitness and Recreation at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence in 2018. Cougar earned a degree in Urban Studies from the University of Maryland. At the Club, he is responsible for growing and maintaining the ever-popular sports leagues.

He has been in the coaching field for more than 25 years. Prior to working at the Club, Cougar coached basketball at Haskell Indian Nations University. He lives in Lawrence with his wife, Leslie, and their 5 children.

Cougar’s +1: Honor

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “Thank you for keeping it real with me.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: The common goal of caring people working to positively mold and shape lives.

Words to live by: “It’s All Good.”

Chris Jones was named the Director of Teen Services in October 2023. He graduated from the University of Kansas in 1997 and gained experience at Hastings Entertainment for 12 years and Hy-Vee for 11 years before joining BGCLK. Even though he dedicates so much of his time to the organization, he still finds the time for his side job: mowing lawns! When he isn’t working, though, he loves creating fun art at home. Chris lives in Lawrence with his wife of 24 years, Jennifer. They have two children who are starting their journeys into adulthood: daughter Mackenna, who graduated from Lawrence High School in 2023, and their son Paxton, who graduated from KU in spring 2024!

Chris’ +1: Gratitude

Why did you choose that for your +1?: “Gratitude is how I acknowledge my blessings. Taking note of the positive relationships in my life, my opportunities and my many resources allows me to be in a giving mindset. I’d like to share that mindset with others and create a network of appreciation, giving and optimism.”

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid:

“Don’t give up.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special:

“Boys & Girls Club is a place for children and teens to build friendships, explore interests, cultivate an identity, find their voice and receive direction.”

Words to live by:

“No–try not! Do or do not, there is no try.”

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Zion was named the Unit Director of New York BGC in 2023. But, he’s no stranger to the Club! After coming to the Club as a member for years and participating in the Youth of the Year program, he worked as a group leader at the Teen Center for four years and then on the admin side of BGC as the HR Generalist for a year. Zion graduated with his Bachelor in Business Administration from Washburn University. He also has an Associate’s degree in General Studies from Hutchinson Community College. Prior to returning to the Movement, Zion worked at 6 Mile Chop House and Tavern in Lawrence. Zion has been with his fiancee, Jaycee, for 9 years. Together, they parent their dog, Stella, and their cat, Scarlette. Something you might not know about Zion is that he can bench 330 pounds!

Zion’s +1: Honesty

Best advice you have ever gotten from a Club kid: “I’ve had a lot of kids tell me that they would rather me be up front than to sugar coat everything to them.”

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “I grew up going to Club and I remember being able to go to Club and be myself and have fun.”

Words to live by: “Wake up determined and go to sleep satisfied.” – The Rock

Bio coming soon!

Keif was named the Unit Director for our Quail Run site in 2021. Prior to working at BGCLK, he coached and ran a multitude of basketball camps. He also served as a para at Free State High School for two years. Keif graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science in 2019.  Keif lives with his fur baby, Layla, who is a two-year-old rescue!

Keif’s +1: Staying Grounded

Best advice you have even gotten from a Club kid: TBD!

What makes the Boys & Girls Club special: “The kids. Being able to interact with many different personalities always keeps me on my toes.”

Words to live by: Coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!