Staff Story

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida (BGCCF) is proud to welcome two new members to its executive leadership team, Garrett Preisser as Chief Advancement Officer and Curt Henderson as Chief Financial Officer. Together, they bring decades of leadership experience in nonprofit strategy, financial stewardship, and mission-driven growth that will help strengthen BGCCF’s ability to serve youth and families throughout Central Florida.

Garrett Preisser, Chief Advancement Officer

With more than 15 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations, Garrett Preisser brings a strong record of driving philanthropic growth, strengthening donor engagement, and building strategic partnerships that expand community impact. As Chief Advancement Officer, Garrett leads BGCCF’s fundraising, communications, and philanthropic strategies, ensuring the organization continues to grow resources that support life-changing programs for children and teens across the five counties it serves.

Garrett joins BGCCF from the University of Central Florida, where he served as Executive Director for Advancement for the College of Engineering & Computer Science and CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics. During his tenure, Garrett and his team secured more than $12 million in philanthropic support over three years while advancing major capital initiatives and developing corporate partnerships that supported research, workforce development, and innovation.

He began his advancement career at Rollins College, helping grow the annual fund to historic levels while increasing donor participation and strengthening support for academic and athletic programs. His background also includes nonprofit board leadership and early career experience in construction management and education, shaping a well-rounded perspective on organizational leadership and community engagement.

Garrett holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Rollins College. His strategic vision and commitment to community impact will play an important role in expanding partnerships and philanthropic support that make great futures possible for local youth.

Curt Henderson, Chief Financial Officer

Curt Henderson joins BGCCF as Chief Financial Officer with more than 20 years of experience in financial management and strategic operations. His career spans global, national, and local organizations, with much of his work focused in nonprofit and ministry settings where strong financial leadership supports long-term mission success.

Curt oversees BGCCF’s financial strategy, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources while positioning the organization for sustainable growth. His expertise in financial planning, operational leadership, and organizational strategy strengthens BGCCF’s ability to expand programs and services that meet the evolving needs of youth and families.

Curt holds a degree in financial management from Clemson University, a Master of Business Administration from Florida Southern College, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. His passion for helping young people reach their full potential aligns closely with BGCCF’s commitment to providing safe spaces, supportive mentors, and opportunities that empower youth to succeed.

Strengthening the Mission Together

As BGCCF continues to grow its reach and deepen its impact, the addition of Garrett and Curt reflects a shared commitment to strong leadership, thoughtful stewardship, and meaningful community partnerships. Their combined expertise in advancement and financial strategy ensures the organization remains well positioned to bridge opportunity gaps and deliver a world-class Club experience that empowers youth and teens to thrive.

With Garrett and Curt helping guide the organization forward, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida continues building momentum toward a future that expands reach and maximizes impact for the young people it serves.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is proud to announce the promotion of Cheryl Goodison to Vice President of Grants — a role that reflects both her exceptional expertise and her deep dedication to helping our mission thrive. 

For more than a decade, Cheryl has been an indispensable part of our organization, leading work that strengthens our ability to close opportunity gaps, expand our service, and meet the evolving needs of youth and families across Central Florida. With nearly two decades of nonprofit and resource development experience, she has a proven track record of securing critical funding that fuels transformative impact. 

A Leader Shaped by Global Perspective and Community Focus 

Cheryl’s journey into nonprofit service spans continents and cultures. She has worked on community-based initiatives in Florida, Oregon, Mexico, and South America — experiences that have shaped her holistic understanding of community needs, cultural awareness, and collaborative problem-solving. Her international work, including nearly six years in Latin America, strengthened her deep commitment to inclusive leadership and her ability to cultivate strong, community-centered partnerships. 

Her educational path is equally broad and rooted in curiosity. Cheryl earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, following studies in environmental engineering, ecology, sustainable agriculture, and biology. She later pursued postgraduate work in Community Psychology, a discipline centered on advancing well-being and driving social change through solutions that are responsive to diverse community needs. 

This rare blend — scientific rigor, community systems thinking, and real-world experience — has strengthened how our organization innovates, grows, and responds to the challenges facing young people in Central Florida today. 

Leadership That Elevates Our Mission 

As Vice President of Grants, Cheryl will lead a strategy that ensures Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida continues to secure the resources needed to deepen and expand our impact. Her leadership will help us: 

• Expand access to high-quality programs and safe spaces for more youth and teens across the five counties we serve (Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Orange, and Osceola) 

• Strengthen partnerships with public, private, and philanthropic organizations 

• Pursue innovative funding opportunities that support long-term sustainability 

• Align resources with community needs, ensuring our Clubs remain responsive and resilient 

Cheryl’s values — equity, collaboration, curiosity, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every young person — are deeply aligned with our mission. Her ability to see both the big picture and the individual lives impacted by our work makes her exactly the kind of leader who propels our organization forward. 

Rooted in Purpose, Driven by Heart 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cheryl is a proud mother to her teenage son and a constant advocate for creating stronger, healthier communities. Her heart for service shows up in every grant she writes, every partnership she nurtures, and every opportunity she helps unlock for the youth and teens we serve. 

Please join us in celebrating Cheryl Goodison as she steps into this critical leadership role. Her vision and dedication will continue to drive GREAT futures forward — today, tomorrow, and for years to come.