FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Peter Poon Kwong, [email protected]
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee Celebrates Devon Yurko and Shares a Bold Vision for the Future of the Pulaski Club
(pictured left to right: Devon Yurko, Talajuwon Robinson and Heavan Delbusto)
Pulaski, TN — Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee announces the departure of Devon Yurko, beloved Executive Director of the Pulaski Club, and celebrates his incredible eight-year tenure of service to the youth of Giles County. Devon’s leadership, heart, and tireless advocacy for Club kids have helped transform the Pulaski Club into a vibrant hub of opportunity, growth, and mentorship. His impact will continue to live on in the lives he has touched and the foundation he helped build.
Devon joined Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee in 2017 to lead the reopening of the Pulaski Club. Since then, he has more than doubled Club membership, strengthened programming, and forged deep community ties. Originally from Lemont, Illinois, Devon’s passion for youth development began in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he served in a variety of leadership roles with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo before bringing his experience and compassion to Tennessee.
“Devon Yurko devoted eight years to our Pulaski Boys & Girls Club,” said Emmylou Williams, Chair of the Pulaski Advisory Council. “In those eight years, he moved us forward and focused on what is most important: our Club kids. His transfer will continue to be hard, he was forthright in his comments, and he made it a learning moment for us all. Like Mr. Devon and the staff, the Club is a constant North Star in the lives of many Pulaski boys and girls. The Advisory Board and folks from Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee endeavor to keep our Club strong and active. To do that, Mr. Kiane and staff from Columbia will fill in until staffing changes are permanently made to ensure our invaluable services will not be disrupted.”
As Devon steps into his next chapter, the future of the Pulaski Club is bright. Kiane Taylor, a seasoned youth advocate and leader, will serve as Interim Executive Director, ensuring a smooth transition and continued momentum as the organization searches for a new Executive Director.
The commitment to serving kids in Giles County remains unwavering. The Pulaski Club is currently raising funds to renovate its existing facility, which will include critical safety upgrades and increased square footage to serve more youth through expanded, life-changing programming. These renovations represent a fresh start and a bold step forward for the Club’s future.
The expanded vision includes new investments in sports and recreation, fine arts and music, hands-on STEM learning, workforce readiness, and leadership development programs. These opportunities will empower local youth to succeed academically, live healthy lifestyles, and grow into strong leaders in their community.
“For our Club, it’s going to be a fresh start,” added Williams. “There is an exciting, new Clubhouse we are currently fundraising for. We are going to expand and rebuild. Our Milk and Honey Gala, along with our annual HERO event, will directly help fund these efforts so that Club consistency will not only continue, but be elevated with the services we offer to our area kids and parents. Our kids deserve no less than our best efforts, because each gets so many lifelong, generationally improving services here. There is so much to look forward to at the Pulaski Boys and Girls Club, and it is time for our community to rally behind our Club and our kids.”
“We are incredibly grateful for Devon’s work, heart, and passion for our youth over the past eight years,” said Ginny Wright, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee. “He has built a solid foundation for young people in Giles County, and we are honored to continue investing in great futures for the youth of Pulaski and beyond. Devon’s legacy is not just in the programs he led, but in the lives he touched.”
In the weeks ahead, the Club will share more details about its vision, upcoming community events, and opportunities to get involved. In the meantime, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes to Devon for his years of service and invite the community to join us in celebrating his legacy.
About Milk & Honey Gala and Heroes Celebration
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and community impact at the first-ever Pulaski Gala: The Milk & Honey Gala. This premier event honors our local Hero of the Year and supports the bright future of the Pulaski Boys & Girls Club.
Over a six-week campaign, passionate community members will compete for the title of “Hero of the Year,” raising vital funds and awareness for the youth we serve. The campaign culminates in a special celebration on Saturday, May 10th at 6:00 PM at Hillcrest Country Club (635 Campbellsville Road). Guests will enjoy live music, food, entertainment, and a heartfelt program recognizing our 2025 Hero candidates—concluding with the announcement of this year’s winner.
All proceeds from the Milk & Honey Gala will directly support the renovation of the Pulaski Club, which serves over 180 children annually. Your generosity helps us provide life-changing programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership development.
Join us in shaping great futures—one child, one Club, one celebration at a time.
To learn more about the Milk and Honey Gala and Heroes Celebration, visit pulaski2025.givesmart.com
About Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee (“BGCSCTN”) opened in 1999 when it was officially chartered by Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Club programs are designed to accomplish three key goals for youth: academic success, healthy lifestyles and good character and citizenship. BGCSCTN has achieved national and state recognition for academic program success and currently serves more than 1,500 youth per year through two youth and teen centers in Columbia, a Club in Pulaski, and school-based programs in 11 schools in Maury County. BGCSCTN is dedicated to making South Central Tennessee a better place to live and work by ensuring that all children who walk through our doors graduate from high school ready for college or employment and reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee and the Youth of the Year program, please contact [email protected]