The Boys & Girls Club of Muncie joins Project Leadership, Ball Brothers Foundation and the Muncie/Delaware County Chamber of Commerce in recognizing Juli Metzger as the 2015 winner of the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award. The award, which recognizes the outstanding service of a board member to a Delaware County nonprofit organization, was presented at the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on October 29.
The honor, presented by Jud Fisher, president and chief operating officer of the Ball Brothers Foundation in memory of his grandparents, comes with $10,000 to the nonprofits in Metzger’s name. In its fifth year, it is Delaware County’s most prestigious award available to nonprofit board members. The award was presented at the annual Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce meeting at the Horizon Convention Center. Juli joins fellow Boys & Girls Club board member, Pat Botts, who was recognized in 2014 for the same award. Botts has served on Boys & Girls Club board of directors since 2011 and was nominated by Habitat for Humanity
“BBF received incredibly strong nominations this year and Juli Metzger represents what makes all of the nominees so important: an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community through giving of time and talent,” said Fisher. “Juli has made a lasting impact not only on Project Leadership and the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie, but also on hundreds of youth served by these organizations who will be the future leaders of our city, state, and nation.”
Juli has served on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club since 2013 and is currently the Board President. She has brought her positive, action-focused energy to the organization. She has played a key role in helping to develop the framework for a 5-year vision, recruit additional board members with diverse skill sets, and significantly improve the Club’s messaging and outreach. In addition to her role on the board of directors, she is a donor, volunteer and outstanding advocate for the organization.
Metzger is described as a “24/7” board member, known for setting aside Sunday afternoons to help craft grant proposals, engaging in late-night phone calls and facilitating early-morning meetings to map out strategies for achieving goals. Deeply committed to her roles on multiple boards, Juli is a master at making connections and helping to synchronize efforts. She is passionate, driven, and focused, pushing the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie toward excellence in programming, operations, and impact…in addition to the many other organizations she supports.
Through Metzger’s leadership and urging, Project Leadership and the Boys & Girls Club of Muncie have been consistently challenged to be innovative, persistent, and forward thinking in their efforts to provide opportunity to youth in Muncie and Delaware County.
“Juli Metzger has been an exemplary board member, serving as a peer leader and visionary for our organization,” said Micah Maxwell, Executive Director. “Juli boldly stepped into her role as board president and has led with passion, vision and courage each day since. She is committed to not only our success, but to the growth, collaboration and effectiveness of similar organizations.”
Juli was joined by her family, colleagues and board and staff from both Project Leadership and Boys & Girls Club of Muncie as she accepted the award. In her comments Juli talked about the significance of the missions of these organizations and how the impact of the work leads young people to a path that is life-changing. “The pairing of these two organizations make sense to me,” said Metzger. “Independently they are effective. Together their influence grows exponentially.” Juli also shared the importance of growing her own circle.
As a Southside High School graduate she grew her circle over time which expanded her opportunities and outlook. After traveling and working all over the country, she is proud to be back in her home community working with organizations that create opportunities, instill hope, and helps shape the lives of young people.
We are proud of Juli, her accomplishments and commitment to the kids, families and community we serve!