January 25, 2012
Press Release

TIM RICHEY SELECTED AS CEO OF THINK DETROIT PAL BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Detroit, Mich – The Think Detroit PAL Board of Directors has selected Tim Richey to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer of the organization. Richey, formerly the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, has served as Think Detroit PAL’s Interim CEO since November 1. He was selected unanimously at a board meeting on January 19.

"Tim has a long-standing track record of achievement within the community and Think Detroit PAL," Think Detroit PAL Board Chairman Mark Woods said.  "Tim has proven leadership skills and lives our core mission of building character in our youth. His dedication to and passion for Think Detroit PAL make him the perfect leader for the organization.”

Richey has been active in youth development in Detroit for 16 years. In 1996, he co-founded the Detroit Youth Soccer League and later merged it with Think Detroit in 2001. Think Detroit merged with the Detroit Police Athletic League in 2006, to make Think Detroit PAL. The soccer program, which began with 20 participants, is now one of Think Detroit PAL’s most popular programs with over 1,000 girls and boys partaking in the spring and fall soccer leagues.

“I’m really excited about the chance to continue working with a great staff, a dedicated board, and with 1,500 fantastic and committed volunteers,” Richey said. “I am looking forward to improving upon the existing relationships we have within the community with all of our partners. I love serving an incredible community, and working to provide a great place for a kid to grow up.”

Richey, who is a graduate of Michigan State University, is eager about shaping the future of Think Detroit PAL, and is particularly excited about some of the things that are on the horizon in the immediate future.

“I’m really looking forward to our MVP Event, which will provide us with a chance to thank some of our significant supporters and highlight some of our great kids,” Richey explained. “I’m also excited about our reinvigorated relationship with the Detroit police department and the officers who have agreed to volunteer their time to mentor kids.”

Think Detroit PAL was formed in 2006 with the merger of Think Detroit Inc. and the Detroit Police Athletic League.  In partnership with the Detroit Police Department and community volunteers, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic and leadership development programs.  In 2011, Think Detroit PAL served over 10,000 girls and boys through 10 sports, making it one of the largest youth organizations in the state of Michigan. More than 80 cents of each dollar donated to Think Detroit PAL goes directly into programming.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Think Detroit PAL at 313-833-1600 or on the web at www.thinkdetroitpal.org.