Longtime CEO leaving Boys and Girls Club

Noreen Reininger, left, is shown with other staff members

at the Boys and Girls Club in Sallisaw.

Noreen Reininger, chief executive officer of the Sequoyah County Boys and Girls Club, is leaving her position after 13 years with the agency. Her last day is Wednesday, July 31.

Hired in 2006 to be the agency’s chief financial officer, Reininger was named CEO three years later.

“Without a doubt, this is the best job I’ve ever had,” Reininger said in an interview Friday. “I really loved working with the kids and watching them grow up,” she said. “I’m going to miss that the most.”

“Everything has a season, and it’s just my time to go,” Reininger said, adding that she is embarking on a career change by moving into the medical administration field. She will begin her quest by taking a medical coding class soon. Ideally, Reininger said, she and her daughter, an occupational therapist, can someday open up a practice together.

During her tenure at the Boys and Girls Club, Reininger successfully managed six campuses, improved and managed the budget and led many fundraising events, in addition to managing all club employees.

Reininger said she will continue to support the Boys and Girls Club through fundraisers and other events, so she won’t be completely gone from the agency. “I’m leaving it in great hands,” she said. Laura Kuykendall, the new CEO, “will keep everything running smoothly.”

Lindsie Dyer, president of the Sequoyah County Boys and Girls Club, said that during her years of service, Reininger has acted as not only a boss but also a mentor, a nurse, a teacher and more for the club members in Sequoyah County. “Whatever the problem is, Noreen has always had an answer that was always approached with the most positive and caring attitude,” Dyer said.

“Noreen has always been very passionate about the children we serve in our clubs and the feeling is definitely mutual,” Dyer said, adding, “To be honest, I don’t know who will feel this transition more: Noreen, the club members or the staff.” 

Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com