Geoffry Gilot: Making An Impact at SRQ/Desota Boys & Girls Clubs!

Geoffry Gilot is the Teen Program Director and Keystone Advisor at the Roy McBean Boys & Girls Club located in the Newtown community of Sarasota. As such, he is a mentor to Club members and serves as a positive role model and influencer on the next generation of leaders in the community. As Keystone Advisor, Gilot has been instrumental in growing the Club’s Keystone program, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premier leadership initiative for teens. Through his mentorship, he has fostered a culture where members feel valued and empowered to lead impactful initiatives.

Gilot’s journey with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties (BGCSDC) began at the age of 13, shortly after his family relocated to Florida. For him, the Club quickly became a second home. Over the years, he transitioned from being a young member exploring the halls to a dedicated mentor shaping young minds.

“I truly love what I do,” he shared. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact the Club has on kids and how it transforms lives. My role allows me to be creative and connect with the youth every single day.”

After graduating from high school, Gilot was off to college at Florida Christian College in Orlando. After two years, he transferred to Goshen College where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management. During summers while on break, he would work as a camp counselor at the Club. After college, he returned home and worked part-time at the Gene Matthews Club in

North Port until 2016. Then, he decided to go in a different direction and accepted a position with Sarasota County Parks and Recreation where he worked for six months before BGCSDC reached out to him about a position as a teen specialist with the Club.

Gilot left the organization again in 2021, searching for his mission in life. He accepted a position at Doctors Hospital as Assistant Director of Environmental Service. He worked in that position for nine months but missed the personal interaction with the kids. He returned to BGCSDC permanently in 2022. “My journey came full circle when I returned,” he said.

“Working alongside my colleagues to pursue our shared vision and goals was very important to me. Our mission to enable all young people to become productive, caring, and responsible citizens is not just a lofty idea; it’s a lifelong commitment, a calling that anchors me here,” he said.

Thanks in part to Gilot’s mentorship, in 2024 Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized the Roy McBean Keystone Club with first place for their National Project, “Reaching Equity in Our Diversity”, naming them “National Keystone Club of the Year” at the National Keystone Conference. Gilot was also recognized as National Keystone Club Advisor of the Year for his “exceptional leadership, dedication, and positive impact on the growth and development of Club members. “What an awesome experience that was,” Gilot said. “Winning the Advisor of the Year award was very special and I was blessed and appreciative to receive it. Working with teens has been a transformative experience for me. I love what I’m doing. I have the privilege of being part of their journey and making a difference in their lives. I am grateful to be part of that.”