Jeff Kroon, longtime executive director of the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club, will retire at the end of the year.

Jeff Kroon, longtime Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club of Jamestown executive director, will retire at the end of the year after nearly 40 years of service to the organization.

“I’m 65 and started my 40th year with the club in May,” Kroon said. “The job is as challenging and satisfying as it has always been. The club’s focus continues to be to serve the young people and families who need us most, providing a safe, supervised environment with enriching and fun activities for all ages.”

Kroon’s anticipated effective date of retirement will be Dec. 31. Kroon and his wife Kelly live in Jamestown and look forward to more visits with family in South Carolina, Florida and Oklahoma.

“Over the past two decades, it has been a pleasure to collaborate with Jeff,” said Rhonda Johnson, Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club board president. “His steadfast commitment to the club and its young members is both genuine and inspirational. As a leader at the Boys & Girls Club, Jeff has set a remarkable example, showcasing how qualities like dedication, perseverance, and compassion can make a profound impact on kids and the entire community. Importantly, every decision he makes prioritizes the safety and emotional well-being of the children. Jeff is beloved both inside and outside the club and we are going to miss seeing him every day at the club. I thank him for his 40 years of dedicated service to our youth and community and wish him a long and healthy retirement.”

Kroon held a number of positions with the club prior to being named executive director in 2008. Kroon’s career with the local Boys & Girls Club began in 1985 in a program training teens in job-readiness skills and career exploration. He later served as assistant executive director for 20 years. Former executive directors included Robert Clemments, Arthur Verry, Frank J. “Mike” Hepler and Judy Haller.

“It has been a very special honor to be one of only five to have had the opportunity to serve as Executive Director of this exceptional organization throughout its 85-year history,” Kroon said. “I am very grateful for the dedication of our staff, the deep commitment of our board of directors and of course the unwavering generosity of our entire community supporting the Boys & Girls Club’s impact in many thousands of lives across four generations.”

Kroon graduated from Jamestown High School in 1977, Jamestown Community College in 1979, and the State University at Brockport in 1981. Previous recognition includes Boys & Girls Clubs of America Service to Youth Award, Jamestown Community College Distinguished Alumnus, Chautauqua County Board of Realtors Citizen of the Year, NYS Youth Soccer Association Volunteer of the Year, NYS Council of PTA’s Honorary Lifetime Member, SUNY Brockport English Departmental Scholar Award and Allegheny Highlands Council BSA Eagle Scout.

In addition to his professional service with the Boys & Girls Club, Kroon served as an adjunct faculty member at Jamestown Community College teaching non-credit Swedish language and culture classes. He also volunteered with the Jamestown Area Youth Soccer program for more than 30 years, serving 25 years as president.

Local attorney Charles DeAngelo serves on the club’s board of directors as Personnel Committee chair and has a long personal connection to the club.

“To say that Jeff Kroon has been the heart and soul of ‘The Club’ is an understatement,” DeAngelo said. “Jeff has made ‘The Club’ a successful operation the old-fashioned way – by doing his job brilliantly. His 24/7 dedication directly impacts the kids, the staff, the board, the facility and the finances. Jeff’s professional relationships and accountability to funders and supporters such as the United Way and local foundations have garnered the respect of those organizations for Jeff and for “The Club.’ Filling Jeff’s shoes will be a herculean effort. Thankfully Jeff has committed to helping us ensure that the future of the Club will remain in good hands throughout the transition and beyond.”