From the Twin Counties to the Nation: Ron Green Wins One of Five Blue Spirit Awards in the U.S

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region CEO Ron Green has officially been recognized on a national stage. At the 2025 Southeast & Southwest Regional Leadership Conference, Green received the prestigious Blue Spirit Award—the highest honor presented to a regional CEO by Boys & Girls Clubs of America President Jim Clark. Only five CEOs in the entire country receive this recognition each year, placing the Twin Counties firmly in the national spotlight.

But for those who have worked with Green or watched the Clubs grow under his guidance, the news comes as no surprise.

The Blue Spirit Award honors leaders who go above and beyond to drive impact, strengthen communities, and embody the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs. It recognizes CEOs who not only manage an organization but transform it—and that is precisely what Ron Green has done in the Tar River Region.

Upon receiving the award, Green said, “I am honored to be a part of this movement, this mission, and I will continue to do the work that we do.” He closed by echoing the Boys & Girls Clubs Code, reminding the room—and all of us—that young people come first, always.

During Green’s 13+ years as CEO, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region has evolved into one of the strongest youth-development organizations in Eastern North Carolina. His leadership has delivered measurable and life-changing outcomes for young people, including:

• A 100% high school graduation rate among club members.

• Zero teen pregnancies among girls in the program.

• Expanded academic support, including tutoring, mentoring, and career readiness programs.

• Increased access to after-school and summer programming across Nash and Edgecombe counties.

• Stronger community partnerships with schools, businesses, Rotary Clubs, and county agencies.

• New grant funding and strategic collaborations that have expanded programming and resources.

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His leadership is not limited to administrative duties—Green is known for being present, visible, and deeply invested in each child’s journey. In one story shared by board member Neill Nelson, Green personally visited a struggling teen at home, played basketball with him in the backyard, and delivered a simple message: “You’ve got an opportunity to make something of yourself.”

That personal connection is what defines his impact.

Leaders from across the Twin Counties celebrated the award, each offering insight into why Ron Green is so deserving.

Board Chairman Bill Farmer praised his innovation and ability to build relationships nationwide. “He’s creative and innovative in trying to find solutions to the issues in the community — and he’s very passionate about the work that he does.”

Judge Pell Cooper, a board member for nearly 25 years, said the award is simply “characteristic of him because he is a leader. He works so well with people — and he has really become embedded in our community in such a positive way.”

Commissioner Viola Harris, who has served on the board for 16 years, noted Green’s genuine care for every child. “He really, really believes in the children,” she said. “I’m very proud and excited that somebody finally recognized him for all the hard work he has been doing here.”

Real estate professional P.J. Roberson added: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving. It speaks volumes to how great he is.”

Green’s story stretches far beyond the Twin Counties. Born in Tupelo, Mississippi, he played minor-league baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization before eventually transitioning into youth development. His career includes leadership roles in Mississippi and Tennessee before arriving in North Carolina, where he has spent more than a decade building and strengthening the Tar River Region’s clubs.

And during that time, he has changed what youth programming looks like here—expanding opportunities, deepening community connections, and increasing outcomes that rival some of the strongest Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in the country.

The Blue Spirit Award doesn’t just honor one leader—it reflects the collective success of the staff, board, volunteers, families, and most of all, the young people involved in the Clubs. It validates years of hard work, creative problem-solving, and commitment to doing “whatever it takes” for kids.

It also elevates the Tar River Region on a national level, opening more doors for funding, partnership, and future growth.

Ron Green often says that the work is about the kids—not the recognition. But this award shines a light on the extraordinary impact he has had on countless young people in our communities.

His leadership has strengthened families, empowered teens, expanded opportunity, and made the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region a safe, inspiring, and transformative place for every child who walks through its doors.