John Dustin Buckman Branch

1100 Vollintine
Memphis, TN 38107
(901) 527-7994

Staff

Jennifer Hayes, Club Director - jenniferh@bgcm.org

Jennifer was born and raised in Mayfield, Kentucky.  She is a graduate of Union University located in Jackson, TN where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology emphasizing in Social Work.  Jennifer was employed as a Program Director with the Ira Samelson, Jr. Branch in July 2001.  While in this position she excelled as a creative and energetic employee that strived to enhance the positive development of club members and quality programs.  In January 2004 she was promoted to Director of Program Services.  She served in this capacity until August 2009 when she transferred over to serve as Club Director for the John Dustin Buckman Branch.  

Jennifer is a member of the Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals and has served as both secretary and treasurer of the Mid-South Chapter.  Jennifer completed the BGCA Learning Club and was inducted into the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Academy in 2004. She was awarded the Southeast Region Outstanding Youth Development Professional Award in September 2004.  In 2006, she was inducted into the Distinguished Level of the Boys &Girls Clubs of America’s Academy. Recently, she was recognized by our National Office in Atlanta, GA for completing the School of Management.


Ron Nelson, Program Director - ronn@bgcm.org

Ron Nelson was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a graduate of LeMoyne-Owen College where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. Ron was employed as a Camp Counselor in 2005. In October 2005, he was prompted to Program Director at the John Dustin Buckman Branch.  While serving in this capacity, he has instilled positive character and leadership skills and quality programming for over 500 youth.   Growing up, Ron was a member of the Dixie Boys Club for 11 years under the direction of Bernal Smith. During his employment with the organization, Ron has been an active member of the Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals.

Tandra Cunningham, Education Director - tandra@bgcm.org

Tandra Cunningham is a native Memphian. She is a graduate of Ridgeway High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Memphis.She began her career with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in 2001 as Program Director at the John Dustin Buckman Club.  After pursuing career and educational goals, Mrs. Cunningham returned to Boys & Girls Clubs in 2008 serving as the Lifeline Mentor Coordinator for the organization.  She is currently the Education Director at John Dustin Buckman Branch.  In her free time, she enjoys traveling, all things fashion related, reading and spending time with her husband.

Duane Carter, Athletic Director - duanec@bgcm.org

Duane Carter was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio.  He is a graduate of Mount Union College located in Alliance, Ohio where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports Medicine with a concentration in Exercise Science. Duane was recently employed as an Athletic Director for the John Dustin Buckman Branch in October 2009.  Prior to his employment with the organization, he served as Facility Manager for the City of Cleveland Parks, Recreation and Properties for nine years. Since 2008, Duane has been working in the field of Athletic Administration. Duane is currently a Registered Athletic Administer with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. In addition, he is a certified TSSAA basketball and football official.  Duane is currently working on completing a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Western Kentucky University.

2010 Board Officers
Chair  - Brian Schaffler
Vice Chair - Pamela Johnson
Secretary - Erika Cain
Treasurer - Brian Holliday

Summer Highlights

On June 10, a group of 15 employees from Buckman USA/International visited the club for a United Way tour.  During the tour we discussed having the group come back over to the club to provide maintenance needs during our Facilities Week.

On June 23-25, 2010 the Buckman Boys & Girls Club sent 6 outstanding youth to St. Louis, MO.  While there, youth had the opportunity to visit the St. Louis Arch and Museum where they learned about the “Gateway to the West”.  They spend a day at Six Flags over St. Louis where they attended various entertainment shows and rode rides.  On the last day, the visited the St. Louis Zoo before heading home.  

12 Youth attended the University of Phoenix College Tour on June 16, 2010 where they learned about the campus, programs available and the special scholarship program available through BGCM.  

On June 30, the Desoto County River Kings came to the Buckman Club to teach hockey fundamentals to our members ages 6-12.  Afterwards, the group played a hockey game in the gymnasium where one of the River King players officiated.  Before leaving, all participants received a coloring book and got the opportunity for the River Kings player to sign it.  

On July 2 the Buckman Club celebrated Independence Day by having their 2nd Annual Splash Party.  Over 125 youth had the opportunity to slide down a 32 foot waterslide, race one another on the Dual Slip & Slide, dunk teenagers and staff in the Dunk Tank, play Splash Ball War and many more water games.  The Dance Team preformed for the entire club after indulging in grilled hot dogs, chips, cookies and popsicles.  

The Buckman Club offered free physicals to all club members on July 7.  Over 50 club members took advantage of this service that was offered by Total Wellness.   

During the weeks of July 19-30 the Buckman Club sent a total of 72 youth to enjoy the great outdoors at Camp Phoenix.  Youth ages 8-14 had the chance to stay at our residential camp for one week where they got to participate in swimming, archery, nature hunts, mountain biking, canoeing, a talent show and much more.     

Seven upperclassmen club members had the opportunity to participate in the Graduate to Go - College Experience at Ole Miss on July 13-14.  The Taco Bell Foundation gave fifty teens from Memphis, Tupelo and Oxford the opportunity to participate in a jammed packed two day event that included a college tour, budgeting for college and future responsibilities and a campus scavenger hunt.  Participants got the chance to get a “feel” of college life by staying in the dorms and eating in the campus cafeteria.  The Experience concluded by all teens graduating from the program and making a pledge to graduate from high school.