Our Leadership Team
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM
Germain has been with Boys & Girls Club of Lake County since June 2022 and became CEO in November of 2023. He started at the Club as the Development Director and transitioned into COO soon afterwards. He is committed to ensuring equity, access, and opportunities for all young people and families in Lake County where he oversees eight Clubs serving over 800 children per year. In his role, he leads an ambitious strategic plan to increase the organization's impact and the number of children helped through BGCLC's critical after-school programs through building new, impactful programming, deepening our partnerships and collaborations, and positioning BGCLC as the leading youth development organization in the region.
Germain's roots are deeply intertwined with the Lake County community, having grown up in the same neighborhood as our Genesee site. Today, he is not only serving but also raising his own family in Waukegan, a testament to his profound understanding of the needs of the students we are privileged to serve.
Prior to joining BGCLC, he served as Executive Director of Beacon Place, overseeing operations, programming, fundraising, special events, and community relations. He has been a leader and changemaker within the Waukegan community for the past 18 years in various roles, including Nonprofit Board Member, Library Trustee, Community Organizer, Educator, Mentor, and Program Director. He led the SHINE program at Waukegan High School and was recognized by the White House in 2014 for being a "Champion of Change" in his community.
Germain holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from DePaul University. He is Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Jim Westfall is the new Chief Operating Officer at BGCLC, bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for youth development. Jim will oversee the day-to-day operations, ensuring all programs run smoothly and effectively. He will work closely with staff to develop and implement strategies that enhance the club’s mission of empowering youth. Jim’s role is crucial in maintaining a high standard of excellence and ensuring that every child at BGCLC receives the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
With a career spanning over 15 years at the Boy Scouts of America, Jim has dedicated himself to fostering growth and excellence in every role he has undertaken. Most recently, Jim served as the CEO/Scout Executive at Crater Lake Council in Oregon, where he led with a focus on administration and talent management for over five years. His leadership style is rooted in genuinely caring for his team and the youth they serve.
Before this, Jim was the Assistant Scout Executive at the Northeast Illinois Council, where he oversaw administration and talent management for over four years. His earlier roles include Field Director, where he managed staff and programs serving 4,000 youth, and District Director, where he excelled in fundraising and volunteer development.
Jim holds a BA in Mathematics from the University of Northern Iowa.
Daniel Mesa brings more than 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience to his role as Chief Development Officer at the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County. Passionate about empowering youth and strengthening families, Daniel leads the Club’s fundraising, donor relations, and community partnerships that make great futures possible. His work includes overseeing capital campaigns, corporate giving, special events, and philanthropic initiatives that help ensure every child in Lake County has access to opportunity.
Throughout his career, Daniel has successfully led fundraising initiatives generating tens of millions of dollars in support of education, youth development, and community programs. He has managed complex, multimillion-dollar budgets, developed innovative giving programs, and cultivated strong relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Daniel has worked with a variety of nonprofits ranging from community organizations to national institutions helping each strengthen its impact and long-term sustainability. Known for his collaborative and strategic approach, Daniel focuses on creating sustainable growth while keeping mission and community impact at the center of every initiative.
Before joining BGCLC, Daniel served in Executive Director roles at several major nonprofit and faith-based organizations nationwide. In these positions, he guided teams, strengthened operations, expanded community outreach, and advanced inclusion and equity across diverse populations. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to organizational excellence and the people who make it possible.
Daniel studied Nonprofit Management at Gratz College and Judaic Studies at Broward College, and studied at the Pluralistic Rabbinic Seminary. A lifelong advocate for mentorship, equity, and opportunity, Daniel believes that when we invest in children, we invest in the strength and future of our entire community.
Krystina joined our team in March 2024. As the Chief of Staff, she will be a critical part of the team orchestrating strategic initiatives and fostering operational excellence, ensuring that BGCLC operates seamlessly in fulfilling mission-driven goals. Additionally, Krystina will champion the development of policies that uphold ethical practices and support staff well-being.
Krystina most recently spearheaded efforts to bolster student success at Waukegan to College, where she fostered collaboration among diverse stakeholders and aided in program expansion. Before that, she was based in Oakland, CA, overseeing college and career programs for various Bay Area nonprofits.
As a native of Lake County, Illinois, daughter of Mexican parents, and a first-generation college graduate, Krystina is driven by a sense of purpose and a desire to make a difference in under-resourced communities. She is passionate about leveraging expertise to drive organizational success and create meaningful impact.
Krystina holds a BS in Psychology and Latina/Latino Studies from the University of Illinois.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
JP has been a part of the BGCLC team since August 2023. In his role, he spearheads the development, planning, and evaluation of our youth development programs, leveraging the power of data to ensure the highest standards of program excellence across all BGCLC sites.
JP brings a wealth of experience, spanning over 15 years of dedicated service working with youth and young adults from a diverse array of communities and age groups. His career journey has been a tapestry of roles that have molded him into the dynamic professional he is today. From being a High School Coach and a PE Teacher Assistant to serving as an Afterschool Program Associate, Building Substitute Teacher, Community School Coordinator, Case Worker, and ultimately a Director, JP's trajectory reflects a profound commitment to nurturing young lives.
JP holds a Professional Master of Art in Social Innovation, Community Organizing and Education and a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies, Education Leadership both from Grand Valley State University. He also earned a DEI Foundations & Inclusive Workplace Certificate from Miami University (OH).
Chef Robert Collins is a graduate of Robert Morris University, a retired Navy veteran, and a culinary professional with more than 32 years of food service experience spanning both military and civilian sectors. He is the founder of Youthage Culinary Specialist, a nonprofit culinary school dedicated to creating hands-on cooking experiences for students of all ages and abilities.
After witnessing the direct connection between diet, health, and diabetes management, Chef Robert felt called to help young people understand the importance of healthy ingredients and how to prepare them. His vision is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to learn directly from culinary experts while gaining practical life skills.
Through fun, interactive lessons, Chef Robert emphasizes nutrition, culinary techniques, and career development, while also helping students build leadership skills, develop organizational habits, and lay the foundation for healthier lifestyle choices. Whether introducing a new recipe or teaching confidence in the kitchen, he is passionate about inspiring the next generation to grow through food.
Avant'e London is a nonprofit executive and program leader with over a decade of experience in youth development, including eight years in the Boys & Girls Club movement. He currently serves as Director of Programs at BGCLC, where he oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs advancing the four pillars of Health & Wellbeing, Character & Leadership, Academic Success, and Life & Workforce Readiness across multiple Club sites.
Avant'e brings both frontline and executive leadership experience, having served in C-suite roles that shaped organizational sustainability and growth. He is recognized for setting clear vision and strategy, aligning curriculum with grant requirements, ensuring compliance and quality outcomes, and representing program priorities at the executive level. His expertise includes cultivating partnerships that sustain funding streams and enrich programming.
Throughout his career, Avant'e has launched innovative initiatives such as cross-country college tours, study abroad opportunities, and workforce development pathways. Known as a connector and relationship builder, he works closely with schools, funders, and community stakeholders to ensure programs remain both impactful for youth and sustainable for the organization.
