About Mark Kiester
CEO - Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area

Mark was appointed Chief Executive Officer of BGCAA in March of 2006.  Since that time, the number of kids served annually has increased by more than 30%, its annual operating budget by 70% and number of operating units from six to fifteen. As a former member of the senior staff at the YMCA of Austin, he was instrumental in the development, building, and successful implementation of two branch operations and one fitness/service center.  He is currently implementing BGCAA’s Vision 2030 plan to double the number of children the Clubs Serve in Travis County.  In August of this year, Mark was named Executive of the Year by Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the Southwest Region. The region covers a 9 state area from Montana to Texas and includes 685 Boys & Girls Clubs organizations serving more than 659,000 youth. Mark was one of only 5 such awardees nationwide. Mark is a native Texan and holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Which of your personal traits is most important in making you a good leader?
One, effective communication skills. Two, deep dedication to the promise of our mission to serve kids who need us most. Three, ability to see issues in clear terms and prioritize organizational and personal “steal sword” strategies that produce meaningful results for the organization.
What are the key things you’d counsel someone coming in to the workforce?
One, hard work trumps talent. Two, to succeed you must be passionate about the vision, mission and purpose or the organization for which you work. Three, seek balance among all aspects of your life.
Was there a particular experience in your life that prepared you for leadership?
I’ve been involved with youth development organizations since I was a kid this includes participation in YMCA programs and Boy Scouts. As a young adult I served as volunteer with several human services agencies; as a parent my children participated in youth development programs; as a business leader in the media industry I served on several human services and professional organizations Boards. Additionally the radio stations I managed in Austin were highly focused on community service. Finally, as the member of the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Austin during it’s rapid growth from a one operational unit organization to 6, I learned first hand how to develop Board and volunteer leadership that results in providing essential and much needed services to our community.;
Who do you think was the greatest leader? Why?
UT Coach Mack Brown for his realization that in his words “Mark, we are all in the youth development business” and his superior communication skills with all UT stakeholders.
What is the most significant issue you would like to be able to solve?
Low high school graduation rates among kids from lower economic neighborhoods.
What is one thing you want to tell the Austin community about your organization?
The BGCA youth development strategy is effective and proven in changing the lives of kids for the better of them and our community. We been working with kids most of whom come from difficult circumstances for more than 100 years. The BGC “way” works because it is simple, direct, tried and proven.
What are you worst at and what do you hate to do? How are they different?
Dealing with the execution details of project implementation. There is no difference between the two.
What are you best at and what do you love to do? How are they different?
Seeing the big picture of the work we do and the impact it has on our community. There is no difference.
If you were trapped on a desert island, what would be in your survival kit?
My wife Gayla.
When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A doctor.
How long have you lived in Austin? What brought you here?
Four years at UT and 25 years in the work force.
What’s your favorite Austin dining, entertainment, or outdoor experience?
Steaks on the grill, a good bottle of wine with my wife, two sons and daughter in-law on my back yard patio.