Charles W. Finchum, Jr. has worked with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee since 1965.  He has been intimately involved in every facet of this organization. Throughout his career, Charlie has exemplified integrity, excellence, and leadership with a sincere passion for this organization.    

Finchum’s affiliation with the Boys & Girls Clubs began at age 6 when he became a member of the Martha O’Bryan Club in the James A. Casey housing development. It was there he learned the value system that he carries with him today. He has imparted these values to thousands of youth that have passed through the doors of the Boys & Girls Clubs. Many former members returned to the Clubs to thank Charlie for the care and respect that he showed them and for helping them avoid the violence of the streets. They attribute their current successes to his guidance. Charlie’s employment with the Boys Club started at Thompson Lane in 1965. He was the Health and Physical Education Director for ten years, a Unit Director for four years, and the Assistant Executive Director for one year. He was then selected Executive Director in 1980. Under Charlie’s guidance, the Middle Tennessee area Club flourished. In 1985, the services were expanded to include Rutherford County. In 1990, the Clubs were formally opened to girls. By 1999, a new Club was built in the Andrew Jackson Homes housing development and another Club was opened in the Magness Potter Center in collaboration with the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Family Initiative. Later partnerships in the Vine Hill Community Center and the Preston Taylor-YMCA were also opened due to Finchum’s early influence.    

He also served the organization by being part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Regional Professional Advisory Committee and worked as a Field Consultant. In 1993, Charlie was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Regional   Professional Advisory Committee and worked a as Field Consultant. In 1993, Finchum was named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Southeast Regional Professional of the Year. Charlie retired in 2000.    

In April of 2012, Charlie was awarded and accepted the prestigious 2012 Sydney F. Keeble Distinguished Service Award in Nashville, TN, in front of many friends and family who celebrated his lifelong contributions and accomplishments.    

In recognition of the mission and service exemplified by Charlie’s accomplishments with the Boys & Girls Clubs, we proudly nominate Charles W. Finchum, Jr., to the 2012 Tennessee Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. No organization could have a better visionary, leader, counselor, advocate, or friend to represent them.