Tucson, AZ (PressExposure) February 23, 2010 -- It is said that there are defining moments in our life, and for some people that moment begins in childhood. Obstacles have a way of sculpting who we become - sometimes positive and sometimes negative. As a small boy, sitting on the bleachers of what was then the Boys Club (today the Boys & Girls Club), a safe place to go and to have a meal after school, was often the defining moment. In 1974, the mentors at the Club played an important role for one such member of the Boys Club, Armando Rios, who today has gone on to accomplish the following:

Manager/Agent of Sean Elliott, NBA star, U of A athlete and former Boys and Girls Clubs member

Co-Founder and Chairman of the Sean Elliott Steak and Burger Dinner

Founding Member, University of Arizona Hispanic Heritage Day

Founding Member, University of Arizona Athletics Department Hispanic Advisory Committee

University of Arizona Hispanic Alumni Board member

El Rio Neighborhood Health Center Foundation Board of Directors

Pima County Sheriff’s Office SMART Committee President

AZ House of Representatives Business Ad Hoc Committee on Employer Sanctions Bill

Tucson Convention Center Commission member

Regional Transportation Authority Citizens Accountability Committee member

Citizens Search Committee member for new Tucson City Manager

Candidate for Tucson City Council

Entrepreneur and currently Owner of RIOS Consulting & Management

Probably the most joyous moment of all, besides being a father – being the first Hispanic Boys & Girls Club member to become their President in 2010.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is proud to announce that, for the first time in its history, an Alumnus from the Clubs is leading the organization this year. They are also just as excited about the increasing diversity of the Board, as Armando Rios is the first minority to serve as President of the organization.

“I came from a tough neighborhood, and there were a lot of bad choices to make, but I had my Club to go to,” said Rios. He continued, “I’m certainly not the only one who’s ever been in this situation. The Boys and Girls Clubs provides a safe place for thousands of kids to go every year, and it really makes a difference in changing their lives for the better. I can’t tell you how honored I am to have this opportunity to serve such a great organization with my fellow Board members.”

Rios joined the Board of Directors in 1992. In 2007 he was honored with the National Service to Youth Award for 15 years of service and has been a consistent member of the “Five Figure Club” raising over $10,000 in funds annually that help keep the doors open. Rios chaired the Annual Steak & Burger Dinner for over 15 years and was instrumental in getting former UA Basketball standout and fellow Boys & Girls Clubs Alumnus Sean Elliott involved with The Steak & Burger dinner. The event honors the Youth of the Year from each of the six clubhouses for their outstanding character, leadership and service to the Club and their community. Each Youth of the Year is awarded a two year scholarship to Pima Community College.

Jim Click, long-time supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs and founder of the Jim & Vicki Click Clubhouse, said, “What a remarkable success story! Armando Rios' life could have turned out dramatically different, but because he was able to come to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson after school and receive training and guidance, he graduated from high school and the U of A to become an accomplished business man. He is well respected throughout the community. Now, to serve as President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson is a testament to his character and a great success. The Click Family is very proud of Armando Rios, congratulations!”

In addition to Armando Rios, the following individuals were elected to serve as 2010 Officers of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson at the Clubs’ Annual Meeting held January 26th at the Stillwell House: Treasurer Lori Niederlehner of BeachFleischman P.C. Secretary Denise Baldwin of Russett Southwest Counselor Bob Gugino of Gugino & Mortier, PLC Vice President/President Elect Dennis Holden of Southwest Gas Vice President Spanky Nanna of Golden Eagle Distributors, Inc. Vice President Kelle Maslyn of Comcast Vice President Patty Howard of Long Realty Company

About Boys & Girls CLubs of Tucson

Since 1963, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has helped keep thousands of local children involved in wholesome activities, providing a positive alternative to the influence of juvenile delinquency. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson offers daily access to a broad range of programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness, and Recreations. Currently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has six locations throughout Tucson and servicing over 7,000 youth. Please visit our website at http://www.bgctucson.org for more information.

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