Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina announced Tuesday that Dawn-Michele Blalock has been appointed as the organization's CEO.

A Hampstead resident, Blalock "brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization with proven leadership in both the nonprofit and for-profit healthcare industry," according to a news release.

She has been the creator of several children’s bereavement camps to help families navigate their grief after significant loss, the release stated. Blalock has been recognized as Spartanburg Chamber Minority Leader of the Year and the Spartanburg Businesswoman of the Year, as well as received the South Carolina Governor’s Quality Award. In addition, she is a Riley Institute for Diversity Leadership Fellow.

"We have so many challenges across our communities, it is imperative that we support the next generation. Providing opportunities for children to grow and develop into contributing adults is the best way to tackle these challenges. Leading this organization, and collaborating with our board to meet our mission, will be one of the great rewards of my life," Blalock said in the release.
 
The CEO search process was conducted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s CEO search team in partnership with a search committee made up of board members from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern North Carolina, according to the release.
 
Michael Long, board chair for the organization, said in the release, “I am fully confident [Blalock] is the right leader to support our organization. She will be singularly focused on having an even greater impact on the children and teens we serve.”