In 2008, when Mr. Leslie C. Quick, III joined the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union (BBBSEHU), it was on the verge of collapse. BBBSEHU was the smallest youth mentoring organization in New Jersey–serving only 116 youth and struggling to fund their endeavors.
The non-profit took a bold step with the development of an aggressive and thoughtful five-year business plan, of which Mr. Quick was a key contributor. “I was able to work closely with the team at BBBSEHU to provide operational insight and employ strategies to grow both the organization and increase its fundraising capabilities,” explained Mr. Quick.
As Board Chair since 2013, Mr. Quick has been actively involved with the growth of BBBSEHU, which now serves over 2,500 youth in the tri-county area. Every Tuesday morning, Mr. Quick reviews the non-profit’s operations with President & CEO Carlos Lejnieks. “His leadership has contributed to our agency’s local, regional and national recognition as a best-practice organization,” described Carlos. “He has served as an extraordinary Board member and role model to others, as well as an inspiration to our leadership team as they continue to grow in their non-profit careers.”
Mr. Quick is proud of his work with BBBSEHU and the impact it has on its community. Reflecting on it he commented, “At the end of the day I believe that mentoring kids is some of the most powerful work we can do, not only for our communities but as a civilization. Not all kids have happy, stable, or safe home lives and this work goes to ameliorate that.”
Mr. Quick earned Honorable Mention for the 2015 Community Leadership Awards.
Leslie C. Quick, III
Partner, Fidelity Investment
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Morristown, New Jersey