Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket names first woman CEO
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) – Amy Gonsalves has been named the first woman CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket’s 125-year history.
Gonsalves will begin her new role in January 2026. In the meantime, the Board of Directors has appointed her to the newly created position of Associate Executive Director. This position was made as part of the Club’s plan for a smooth transition during CEO Jim Hoyt’s upcoming retirement in December. Gonsalves will work in tandem with Hoyt until his retirement.
“I am excited that the Board of Directors has approved the succession plan, promoting Amy Gonsalves to the role of CEO in December 2025,” said current CEO Jim Hoyt in a press release. “With this appointment the Board has demonstrated the Club’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent from within. As a servant leader Amy leads with empathy, integrity, and humility.”
Gonsalves joined the Club as Director of Development & Communications in March of 2020. She studied Journalism and Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She has been recognized for her work with the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket. In 2022, she was recognized by Providence Business News as a ‘Woman to Watch in the Non-Profit/Social Services Sector.’ The Boys & Girls Club of America also recognized her in 2023 naming her ‘Northeast Region Outstanding Resource Development Professional of the Year.’
“In the past 5 years, Ms. Gonsalves has performed an outstanding job as Director of Development and Communications at the Club. She is demonstrated a strong belief in the Club’s Mission and has worked to carry out that mission with remarkable success,” said Board President Joe Fleming.
“I am humbled and honored to be the first woman to step into the role of CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket,” said Gonsalves. “Jim has been an incredible leader of the Club for decades and I am so grateful for the opportunity to carry on his legacy.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket announced CEO James Hoyt’s retirement in March of 2025 after 50 years for service with the club.
