NAME: Ivan Gilreath
TITLE/COMPANY: President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale
WEBSITE: https://bgcs.org
What inspired you to get involved with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale?
I grew up as a Club kid in Nebraska and saw firsthand the impact it had on my life. After a corporate career, I went back to lead the same Club I attended in Omaha. When I moved to Arizona to be closer to my kids and grandkids, BGCS gave me the chance to keep doing what I love—working with amazing staff and kids every day.
Most rewarding part of your job?
Helping change the lives of the kids we serve.
Something people might not realize about the work the Boys & Girls Clubs does?
We never turn away a child who can’t afford to attend. Many people don’t realize how many kids in Scottsdale need that kind of support—we provided over $1.6 million in assistance last year.
What does a typical day look like for you—or is there no such thing?
No day is the same. Some days I focus on strategy, finances, or safety. Others are all about fundraising or simply visiting the Clubs and spending time with the incredible kids.
Favorite program or initiative at the Clubs?
They’re all great—science, technology, engineering, art, math (STEAM); character and leadership; nutrition; literacy; financial literacy. But for me, the best part is knowing kids have a safe place to go after school, especially between 3 and 6 p.m. when they need it most.
If you weren’t doing this job, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I honestly don’t know. This is a labor of love—I’ve never thought of it as just a job.
Your go-to way to unwind after a busy day?
A glass of wine a few nights a week, movie night every Tuesday with my wife, and dinner every Friday. I also spend time with my kids and grandkids a couple times a week. And I start most days with a workout.
The last great book you read or show you binged?
Blood in the Garden—a book about the 1990s New York Knicks and coach Pat Riley.
What’s your favorite local restaurant or hangout in Scottsdale?
We have a few, but we find ourselves at Cooper’s Hawk pretty often.
