HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson announced the upcoming departure of Site Director Brenda Higginbotham after nearly 32 years with the organization.
Higginbotham started her journey with the Club in 1994 as a college student and has worked in every role from Vision Leader to Avenue A Site Director. Under her leadership, the Avenue A elementary-age site has grown steadily, with 45 additional youth served this summer alone.
She shared that it has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve our community, mentor our youth, and lead and grow the Avenue A Club.
“To the incredible staff at Avenue A: thank you for your tireless dedication, your hard work, and for standing alongside me every day to create a safe, positive place for our youth,” said Higginbotham. “Special shout-out and thank you to Mr. Drew, you have been a great assistant director. And to the children—you have been the absolute heartbeat of my career. Watching you grow, learn, and succeed has been my greatest reward, and you will always hold a special place in my heart.”
CEO Lance Patterson reflected on Brenda Higginbotham’s instrumental role in growing the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson. “Words cannot express the gratitude that I have for Brenda’s commitment to the youth in our community. She has given more than three decades of her life to making great futures possible for kids in Hutchinson. She will be missed but I know she will continue to make a lasting impact on all of those she works with.”
Higginbotham’s last day with the Club will be June 24.
To ensure a successful transition, Higginbotham will spend her final month training the incoming Avenue A Site Director, Andrew Renaud, better known to Club kids as Mr. Drew.
Renaud first joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson as a Vision Leader in 2021. He came to the Club with five years of experience as a paraeducator and substitute teacher in local school districts. In 2023, he was promoted to Assistant Site Director at the Avenue A site.
During his tenure as assistant site director, he oversaw the renovation of the Club’s STEM program into an Innovation Lab where he was responsible for adding STEM programs based on Club member interest. In 2025, he gained his Praesidium Guardian certification, marking his dedication to child abuse prevention and his subject matter expertise.
“I’m excited to keep growing the Club and creating opportunities for members to have new experiences,” shared Renaud. “I’m dedicated to creating a fun and safe Club experience for all of our K 5 members.”
Learn more about programs and activities offered by Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson at bgchutch.com or 620-665-7171.
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hutchinson is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
