Baltimore

The Baltimore Division honors Mr. James Deaner, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County, Maryland. Boys & Girls Clubs across the country help shape the lives of at-risk children, aged 6 through 18, through prevention and education.

Mr. Deaner oversees seven Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Washington County, which serve roughly 400 children daily. Mr. Deaner ensures that more than 40 dedicated professionals are on hand to provide homework assistance, character-building exercises, life skills, recreation, and access to technology.

Under Mr. Deaner’s leadership, a nearly 40,000-square-foot facility is under construction in the Noland Village Public Housing neighborhood. The building will include a gymnasium, a computer room, and classrooms. His goal is to serve 150 children daily at the new facility and to deter children and young adults from violent crimes, gangs, and drugs by creating a positive environment.

Mr. Deaner has made a remarkable impact in the lives of Washington County children. He manages a community resource where great futures are created every day.