As we wind down the year, we continue to highlight our alumni and the work they are achieving in their community. Today, we introduce you to RCS Class of 2001 graduate Justin Reuter. Learn how he’s impacting the Capital Region with his leadership as Chief Executive Officer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area here.
How did RCS prepare you for college? What classes or specific teachers led you to be successful?
Many of my experiences at RCS helped prepare me for a post-secondary education. First and most important was the solid foundation provided by the curriculum and educators. When looking back, my favorite high school classes were Hands on Government with Mr. Tucker and Child Psychology with Mr. Pettinato. Both of these teachers made learning enjoyable by creating engaging lessons that allowed students to be creative and work in a team environment. Being able to work effectively in a group setting is very important to being successful in post-secondary education and in the workforce.
Did you utilize any of your experiences at RCS while in college? If so, how?
Involving myself in extracurricular activities was important in shaping my high school experience. It helped me understand the importance of teamwork, balancing a schedule and improving my abilities through practice. It also allowed me to develop friendships with many different groups of people that I wouldn't have had otherwise. While attending the College of Saint Rose, I continued to involve myself in Club sports and other activities which allowed me to develop new friendships and connections that are still present today.
What attracted you to a leadership position in the Boys & Girls Club?
I have always had a passion for working with youth, but I also have always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit. The CEO position is a perfect fit for me. I still get the opportunity to work with youth when I need a break from my primary duties, yet I also get the experience of moving the organization forward. Although we are a non-profit, it is essentially a business with a need to balance revenues with short and long term expenses. Short term expenses being the day-to-day operating budget and long term, the expenses associated with the future vision of the organization. On top of that, it is absolutely amazing to work for an organization that is making a positive impact in the community. It gives me a sense of accomplishment each day and makes going to work enjoyable.
What are your future goals moving forward? Proudest accomplishment?
My future goal is to continue to build the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area brand into the premier youth development organization in the Capital Region. There are many geographical areas in the Capital Region that are ripe for expansion where youth and families would benefit from our services. Over the past 5 years, we have grown from a staff of 35 to now over 250 and expanded from 4 locations to 17. One of my proudest accomplishments was implementing a successful merger of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Albany and Troy Boys & Girls Club to create the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. This has fueled our continuous growth as we recently opened new locations in Cohoes and Watervliet with future expansion plans in the works.
What advice do you give to current RCS students to be successful?
First, develop good study habits and organizational skills - this is absolutely necessary. It is very important to get involved in extracurricular activities. Many of the friendships that I formed in high school are still strong today, because of things I was involved in after the academic portion of the school day ended. I strongly encourage you to take advanced placement courses in high school if given the opportunity to do so. It will allow you to get ahead by starting college with existing course credit and help reduce your financial burden. Make friends with as many different people that you can throughout your life. You never know what connections you might need in the future and broadening your reach will only help you in the long run.
