Progressing from “Big to Better to Best”
2015 National Conference
The 2015 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America National Conference brought us all together, united in our goal of moving forward. “Big. Better. Best.” was this year’s conference theme, aptly summarizing our push to be the best mentoring program in the country.
To drive us toward our goal, the two-day conference featured dynamic keynote speakers, insightful panel discussions, and lots of opportunities for learning and knowledge exchange.
A host of local dignitaries joined us, including Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and former Philadelphia Mayor, the Rev. Dr. W. Wilson Goode Sr.
Ryan Rippel, the Rev. Starsky Wilson, David Johns, and BBBS’s Becky James-Hatter all provided perspectives regarding the events in Ferguson, Missouri, and the positive steps our organization could take to help.
Keynote speaker Scott Berkun, best-selling author and renowned speaker, offered a poignant reminder of the memories made between a Big and a Little, and motivational speaker and author, Simon T. Bailey, brought a huge amount of energy and inspiration to our conference.
Little Darrion and Big Chris
Little Regina and Big Carrie
Honoring the biggest of the Bigs.
All of our Bigs play invaluable roles in the lives of the Littles they inspire. This makes it especially difficult to narrow the field down to the two who most deserve the honor of Bigs of the Year.
The 2015 Bigs of the Year awards were presented to Big Brother, Chris Rosburg, BBBS Greater Kansas City, and Big Sister, Carrie Stambaugh, BBBS of the Tri-State, at our gala.
Pam Iorio, BBBSA President & CEO, stated:
“Every Big is so important to our organization, but these national Bigs of the Year have shown a remarkable level of dedication to enriching the lives of their Littles.”
Big Brother of the Year, Chris, has been matched with Little Brother, Darrion, for four years. Darrion and his mother credit Chris for helping Darrion avoid negative influences. By having a role model, Darrion has matured exponentially.
Big Sister of the Year, Carrie, and her Little, Regina, have grown to become friends who motivate and inspire each other. Carrie has guided Regina through struggles with insecurities and anxiety as well as through Regina’s educational development . With Carrie’s guidance, Regina is preparing for college and improving her life well into the future.
We congratulate both Chris and Carrie and look forward to following their continued journeys.
It was an inspiring gala
This year’s national conference attendees received encouragement from our gala emcee, NBC’s Kate Snow, and celebrity ambassador “Big Hero 6” actor Ryan Potter.
As a former Little, Ryan fully understands what it’s like to have a Big offering guidance and support. He credits much of his great personal and professional success to that close mentor relationship.
“I’ve had a Big Brother myself for about 12 years now. Big Brothers Big Sisters is just a phenomenal organization. They put good mentors in kids’ lives who really need them. I still have my Big Brother, and he still mentors me to this day.”
- RYAN POTTER, Star of Big Hero 6
Recognizing our Big accomplishments
A Lifetime of Service
During the conference, we recognized a few incredible Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliate CEOs who retired after decades of dedicated service. We thank these leaders for their invaluable contributions to our mission over the years.
Kathleen Murphy
40 years, Yavapai BBBS (Arizona)
Barbara Cempura
35 years, BBBS of Southwestern Illinois
Joe Radlet
21 years, BBBS of the Greater Miami Valley (Ohio)
Boards of the Year
These awards recognize affiliate boards that provide outstanding and consistent leadership.
Small Agency Board of the Year
BBBS of Cumberland & Salem Counties, NJ
Midsize Agency Board of the Year
BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh, PA
Large Agency Board of the Year
BBBS of Orange County, CA
Agencies of the Year
Honoring affiliates that exemplify success, these agencies are selected based on substantial growth in the number of children served, quality and length of mentoring matches, and increased revenues.
Small Agency of the Year
BBBS of Greater Miami Valley, OH
Midsize Agency of the Year
BBBS of Greater Pittsburgh, PA
Large Agency of the Year
BBBS of Greater Kansas City, MO
Corporate Partner Awards
Corporations and national leaders who have exemplified outstanding dedication to mentorship by donating time, talent, and/or financial resources.
President’s Award
Nerium International
Community Impact Award
CST Brands
Chairman’s Award
Comcast NBCUniversal
Enterprise Award
Dollar General
Charles G. Berwind Lifetime Achievement Award
Bob Taylor, President and CEO of Do it Best Corp.
Common Good Award
Reed Smith LLP
We appreciate the in-kind gifts that helped make the 2015 National Conference a success
- AEC Partners
- ALEX AND ANI
- ChappellRoberts
- CTO Artists
- Osbourne Group
- Tastykake
explore our 2015 annual report
Our Board Chair’s and President & CEO’s visions for moving us forward.
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PartnershipsSee how government, foundation, and corporate partners move us forward.
Meet our affiliates – the driving force behind creating brighter futures.
National ConferenceCheck out the thought leaders taking us from “Big to Better to Best.”
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