Courtesy photos.
AGOURA HILLS — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (BGCGCV) are pleased to announce that five members of the BGCGCV Board of the Governors were recently recognized with prestigious national awards by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) National Service Awards were presented to members Mark Bagaason, Marilyn Bencar, Linda Catlin, Jack Gleason and Cal Johnston at the organization’s annual Board holiday gathering in December. Silver Medallions were awarded to Cal Johnston, Founder of the BGCGCV and Jack Gleason. Mark Bagaason, Marilyn Bencar and Linda Catlin each received Bronze Medallions.
The Silver Medallion recognizes individuals who played a role in the founding of a Boys & Girls Club, or who assumed a top leadership position. The Bronze Medallion honors individuals who have provided exceptionally devoted and exemplary service to a Boys & Girls Club.
“We are thrilled that these individuals have been recognized for their hard work and dedication,” stated Dr. Crystal N?one, CEO & President, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley. “We would not be able to provide the quality programs and services without their contributions and the key leadership they offer,” she added.
About the BGCA Award Winners:
- Mark Bagaason – A board member since 2012, Mark Bagaason has served on many BGCGCV committees including the Executive, Resource Development, Finance, Golf, Audit and Facilities Committees. He joined BGCGCV after a 37-year career in public accounting with the firm of Grant Thornton LLP. Mark served on the Board of Directors of Grant Thornton from 1999 until 2005 and served as Chairman of the Board from 1999 to 2001. He was a National Managing Partner prior to his retirement. In addition to this national award, Bagaason was honored with the Cal Johnston Service Award by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley for his strong support and financial contributions.
- Marilyn Bencar – Marilyn Bencar has been with BGCGCV since its inception, and is a founding member. For 17 years, she has been a steady administrative leader for the organization as Secretary on the Executive Committee and Chair of the HR Committee. In addition, she has held several positions with The Johnston Group, currently holding the title of Vice President-Operations. Her career also encompasses positions with the corporate offices of Litton Industries and Occidental Petroleum. In 2014, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley honored her contributions by awarding her the Cal Johnston Service Award.
- Linda Catlin – Linda Catlin has a long history with BGCGCV, dating back to 2008. She served on the Executive Committee as Gala Dinner & Auction Chair, Vice Chair and Chairman. Linda has also been involved in board development in addition to the Programs Committee and serving on the Advisory Council. Catlin graduated with honors in Early Childhood Education from UCLA and taught elementary school for 13 years while also providing training, teaching demonstrations and student teacher training for UCLA. She became the Director of an elementary gifted program and later developed a career in real estate. She has made a significant contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley’s Lindero Club, which was renamed the Linda & David Catlin Boys & Girls Club.
- Jack Gleason – Jack Gleason has served Boys & Girls Clubs organizations for 36 years as a board member at three different clubs. He along with his wife, Betty are community minded and believe in the mission of BGCGCV. Gleason’s business career included working with homebuilders in Southern California and at the Del Webb Corporation located in Phoenix serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. He was assigned to lead the nationwide expansion of the large master planned Sun City Communities. In 2002, Gleason retired from work and settled permanently in Thousand Oaks. He has served on the Executive Board for the BGCGCV as a member & Vice Chair. In addition, he served on the Board Development, Facilities, and Capital Campaign Committees.
- Cal Johnston – Cal Johnston is the Founder of BGCGCV. Orphaned at the age of five, Johnston has a passion for helping youth reach their highest potential. His impressive background includes a scholarship at 18 that enabled him to attend the University of Southern California where he earned in business degree. He then became a lieutenant in the Air Force and spent most of his time at the test center at Edwards Air Force Base where he began to aim his sights on commercial real estate. Cal’s vision later created The Johnston Group where he served as Chairman of the real estate investment firm. Johnston was a National Trustee for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America from January 1998 to November 2017. He also served on many non-profit boards and has received many awards including the first annual Community Leadership Award from Ventura County Community Foundation. With his wife Marje at his side, the Johnstons have been an integral part of BGCGCV, providing key leadership and helping to expand the organization with new clubs and program development. To recognize his significant contributions, the Boys & Girls Club located on the campus of Colina Middle School was named the Cal & Marje Johnston Boys & Girls Club, opening in 2006.
For more questions about the BGCA National Awards, contact the Boys & Girls Club at 818-706.0905.
About the National Service Recognition Program: The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) has long valued the recognition of board volunteers and staff. Since the inception of the National Awards Program in 1947, BGCA has encouraged Clubs to foster continued support of dedicated volunteers and professionals by presenting national awards at special events such as annual Club dinners, as well as at Area Council meetings and other Boys & Girls Clubs of America functions.
About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley are open before and after school, during lunch, on weekends for sports leagues, throughout the summer for the camp program and all-day during school vacations with tours of the Clubs available upon request. For more information about supervised youth programs, to donate, volunteer, or register online, please log onto www.bgcconejo.orgor call 818-706-0905.