Off The Street Club (OTSC), a nonprofit youth center in Chicago’s West Garfield Park offering children a safe place to laugh, dream, and reach their full potential, has announced the appointment of Maurice Fears, Sr., as its Executive Director, effective August 3, 2026. Maurice, only the sixth leader in the Club’s 125 years, will serve as the organization’s top executive, responsible for leading its strategic vision, operational growth, and community impact. The executive search, led by Heather Eddy and Randi Blasutti of KEES, reflects the continued success of the partnership between OTSC and KEES.

Maurice most recently served as the first Chief Operating Officer at Children’s Place Association, where he co-managed an $8M annual budget and provided oversight of operations, financial performance, and strategic growth for the Chicago-based non-profit. A driver of efficiency and innovation, Maurice led several operational and efficiency improvements, including cloud-migration AI initiatives.

Among his notable leadership achievements, Maurice created and launched Child Thrive, a multi-faceted program offering a range of tailored services to support the whole child and family. To deliver those services, Maurice convened a diverse coalition of stakeholders, including schools, business leaders, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers and community residents, each focused on the unique needs of Chicago’s West Humboldt Park community. Under Maurice’s leadership, Child Thrive has expanded from serving a single school to supporting three schools in just four years. 

“Finding a leader who embodies both the lived experience of our youth and the executive acumen required to guide our future makes Maurice the ideal leader for the Off The Street Club,” said Betsy Holden, President of the OTSC Board of Directors. “His exceptional track record of turning vision into programmatic impact and leadership in youth-serving organizations speaks for itself.  We are thrilled to welcome Maurice as we enter this vibrant new chapter for the children and families we serve.”

Maurice began his nonprofit career with the YMCA, where he spent 20 years in a variety of roles, 13 of those years in executive positions, first in Joliet and then in Chicago. His track record includes breaking fundraising records, launching new youth initiatives, and securing major grants to expand youth programs. His commitment to community impact extends beyond his professional work through active leadership in civic and planning committees. Fears is an active member of the Chicago civic community, serving on the board of the West Humboldt Park Development Council and is a member of the City of Chicago’s Invest Southwest initiative.

“As a native Chicagoan who grew up utilizing after-school and park programs, this role aligns with my life’s calling. The local club programs of my youth left a mark on me, proving that community support creates a wealth of character and opportunity,” said Maurice. “OTSC represents a vital beacon of hope and opportunity, and I look forward to partnering with our board, staff, and donors to expand our impact, ensure sustainable growth, and deliver vital opportunities and support to the kids in West Garfield Park and beyond.”

Off The Street Club engaged KEES, a leading executive search firm specializing in nonprofit and public sector leadership, to help strengthen its leadership team. This most recent placement marks the second strategic leadership role KEES has helped create and recruit, adding critical infrastructure to support Off The Street Club’s sustainable future.

Conducted in partnership with KEES, the Executive Director search process attracted a highly talented and diverse pool of candidates. The effort was led by Board Chair Betsy Holden and supported by Search Committee members Dennis FitzSimons, Jack Klues, Kevin Newell, Brad Ritter, Rich Stoddart, and Patti Winegar.

“Throughout his career, Maurice has consistently demonstrated an ability to balance a people-first culture with rigorous organizational performance, always keeping kids at the center of his work,” said Heather Eddy, President & CEO of KEES. “As a compelling storyteller and a disciplined strategist, Maurice is a natural match for OTSC, which is truly all about the kids. KEES is proud to have facilitated this search, and we look forward to seeing Maurice elevate OTSC’s advocacy, programming, and community impact and partnerships to even greater heights.”

About Off The Street Club

Off The Street Club (OTSC or “the Club”) is Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club and is located in West Garfield Park, one of the city’s most challenged and under-resourced communities. For 125 years, OTSC has been a safe, steady, and unwavering presence for children throughout Chicago growing up amid poverty, gang activity, and limited access to opportunity. The Club’s long history is rooted in deep community trust and generational impact. To learn more, please visit: www.offthestreetclub.com.

About KEES

KEES (formerly Alford Executive Search) is a certified woman-owned nonprofit executive search firm dedicated to creating diverse teams with dynamic leadership in the nonprofit and public sectors. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including executive search, leadership development, compensation analysis, interim staffing, and HR support. For more information, please visit www.kees2success.com.

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OTSC MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Farrell, farrell.scottj@gmail.com

KEES MEDIA CONTACT: Jamie Sheffler, jsheffler@kees2success.com