Gwendolyn Woods, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis brings decades of leadership experience and a deep passion for youth development. Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Gwendolyn’s personal journey through adversity and triumph has shaped her dedication to empowering young people to reach their full potential. Gwendolyn graduated from the University of Memphis on a track scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in Communications. She furthered her education with a Master of Business Administration and a master’s Certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix.
These academic achievements, combined with her lived experiences, have equipped her with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, strategic planning, and operational excellence. Growing up in the inner city and losing her father to leukemia at the age of four, Gwendolyn was raised by a single mother who instilled in her the values of hard work and perseverance. A pivotal mentorship from a middle school track coach helped Gwendolyn channel her energy toward personal growth, inspiring her to pursue greatness and become a role model for today’s youth. Gwendolyn’s commitment to youth and community development has earned her several accolades, including the prestigious BGCM Youth Development Professional of the Year award in 2020, recognizing her outstanding service and dedication to young people. She is also a recipient of the University of Memphis State 8 Award, which honors outstanding alumni for their professional achievements and community impact. Prior to her role as CEO, Gwendolyn served as Vice President of Operations, where she played a critical role in driving organizational growth, enhancing program delivery, and expanding the reach of the Boys & Girls Club throughout Memphis. Her leadership has been marked by a commitment to the Club’s mission: “To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
As CEO, Gwendolyn remains dedicated to ensuring that every young person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to opportunities that foster success. She is deeply involved in community outreach and continues to build partnerships that advance the goals of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis. Her visionary leadership is transforming the organization and creating lasting impacts in the lives of the youth she serves. Outside of her professional life, Gwendolyn actively volunteers with various community organizations, driven by her commitment to giving back and creating a positive impact for future generations.
Email: [email protected]
Chief Operating Officer – Darrel Davis
I am a native Memphian and proud graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin. My professional journey began in education, where I developed a lifelong commitment to helping others reach their full potential. With more than two decades of experience in education and operations management, I have built a career dedicated to developing people, strengthening systems, and driving sustainable growth.
Before joining the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, I held leadership roles that allowed me to merge my passion for youth development with my expertise in organizational operations. Throughout my career, I have remained focused on creating meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and achieve—especially those who need support the most.
Email: [email protected]
Database Manager – Melodie Moore
Melodie is a native Memphian. She attended high school at Gateway Christian School, where she graduated as the female student of the year. She went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Memphis, where she was a member of Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Organization, Golden Key International Honour Society, Omicron Delta Kappa National Honor Society, and was a recipient of the Presser Foundation Award and the UofM Young Alumni Legacy Award. While at UofM, she was also the head girl counselor for the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music’s Memphis Music Camp for multiple consecutive years. She was selected as one of Memphis Woman Magazine’s “Outstanding Young Women of Memphis” in 2008 in recognition of her volunteering and outreach efforts throughout the region. She is extremely grateful to be a part of BGCM, where she is excited to continue playing an active role in providing opportunities and growth for the city’s youth.
In her free time, Melodie enjoys reading sci-fi/fantasy books, baking, hiking, and watching movies (Marvel and Star Wars, in particular).
Email: [email protected]
Grants Coordinator II – Glynnis Anderson-Smith
A facilitator, communicator, and relationship builder, she ask questions…lots of questions. She’s a dedicated nonprofit grant professional with a drive to support marginalized and underserved communities. Passionate about helping youth and families thrive, she secures funding that powers programs, resources, and opportunities at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
Glynnis’s experience spans the entire grant process—from prospecting and researching to crafting narratives that tell the stories of the organization and those it serves. She thrives on problem-solving, creating new funding opportunities, and fostering meaningful relationships with community partners, funders, and civic leaders.
Outside of work, Glynnis loves traveling the world as much as she enjoys relaxing at home with her dogs—Gracie, a 150-pound Pyrenees rescue, and Ginger, a lively Mini Aussie.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt
Email: [email protected]
Grants Accountant – Sonja R. Jones
Sonja Jones serves as the Grant Accountant for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, where she combines her deep expertise in nonprofit finance with a passion for youth development and community impact. With over a decade of experience in bookkeeping, financial management, and grant compliance, Sonja ensures that every dollar entrusted to the organization is stewarded with accuracy and accountability.
A lifelong educator at heart, Sonja has taught both children and adults, including her time as an elementary music teacher, where she helped students build confidence, creativity, and discipline through singing, movement, and instrumental performance. Her teaching background fuels her patient, hands-on approach to financial training and her commitment to making complex systems easy to understand.
Sonja’s connection to BGCM runs deeper than her professional role—her own children attended the Ira Samelson Club’s aftercare and summer programs, as well as Camp Phoenix, experiences that strengthened her belief in the life-changing power of the Boys & Girls Club mission.
Email: [email protected]
Director of Accounting – Lydia Goodwin
Lydia started with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis family in May 2019. Lydia was born and raised in Arkansas, to a large family to say the least. She is number 12 of 14 children!
Lydia is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with a B.S. Degree in Business Education. Lydia brings a wealth of accounting knowledge and experience with her. She was a staff accountant of Marshall Food Service LLC, which is the Burger King Franchise, and also America Works, which is a welfare to work program through the Department of Human Services.
Lydia believes every child deserves an opportunity to be nurtured and grow into being their very best.
Email: [email protected]
Director of Workforce Compliance – Paula Guyton
Paula Guyton is a native of Memphis, TN. She attended Lemoyne-Owen College. Paula is an outgoing, dedicated, hardworking young lady who loves working with youth of all ages. She has been a staff member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis since 2001. Paula has worked at four units, all in which she has been promoted.
Some of her achievements include Youth Development Professional, Professional Staff of the Year, Staff of the Year, Going the Extra Mile Nominee and Winner, Interim Club Director. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Paula believes in “Inspiring Youth to BE GREAT!”
Email: [email protected]
Administrative & HR Director – Amy Jones
Amy Jones is a native Memphian. Amy attended Webster University and earned a Master’s of HRM. Amy’s career spans various industries from education, housing, manufacturing, managed health care, insurance and non-profit organizations. Amy loves listening to music, enjoys reading, and spending time with her family.
Email: [email protected]
Club Staff Members
Learn more about our extraordinary Club Staff by visiting our Clubs page