Educational Leader Brings Local Expertise & Strategic Foundation for the Future
MERCED, CA (August 30th, 2025) – The Boys & Girls Club of Merced County is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. May Moua as Chief Executive Officer, effective July 2025. As a first-generation immigrant who arrived as an infant, and the daughter of Hmong refugees, Dr. Moua brings a lifelong commitment to youth, education, inclusion, and more than twenty years of organizational leadership across educational settings.
“The Boys & Girls Club has always represented opportunity, safety, and hope for young people,” she said. “I’m honored to lead this organization into a future where every child has the space to thrive.”
Proven Leadership in Education & Youth Access
Dr. Moua’s accomplishments reflect her deep roots in educational innovation and youth programming in Merced County:
● Creator of the Merced County ASSETS after‑school program, providing high-quality academic enrichment to local youth;
● Founder of the Come Back Charter School, a high school diploma program that re-engages adult learners and builds upward opportunity;
● Transformed the Valley Community Schools, by implementing holistic, student-centered programs that addressed academic gaps, built social-emotional resilience, and delivered responsive support tailored to each learner; and
● Developed the Hmong and Spanish dual‑language immersion programs at Merced County Office of Education to promote language preservation, cultural inclusion, and global perspectives.
Across her career, Dr. Moua has steered organizational operations with integrity and strategic vision, managing program budgets exceeding $20 million in revenue and ensuring funding from state, federal, and private sources is aligned with mission.
Aligning Local Action with National Strategy
The Boys & Girls Clubs of America launched its national “America Needs Club Kids” and “Club Kids Need You” campaign, calling communities to open doors today for the leaders of tomorrow. Boys and Girls Clubs across the country are preparing kids to be future ready by equipping young people with the skills and resources they need to succeed in life and careers.
Locally, Dr. Moua plans to bring this strategic vision to life:
● Listening to youth, families, and staff to ground programming in lived experience;
● Strengthening partnerships with schools, local agencies, and civic leaders;
● Working with donors, community leaders, and funders to expand access to high-impact youth programs throughout Merced County.
“I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work alongside this amazing community,” Dr. Moua said. “Together, we’ll build futures full of promise and possibility.”
Preparing for a Changing Landscape
With the California High‑Speed Rail project progressing, the Boys & Girls Club’s downtown Merced facility on 15th Street faces long-term uncertainty. While no formal decisions have been made, Club leadership is thoughtfully planning how to sustain and expand access to programs across the county.
“This is our moment to reimagine both place and purpose,” said Rosa Kindred-Winzer, Board President. “Dr. Moua brings both vision and pragmatism. With community engagement, we’re preparing for what youth need next.”
With Dr. Moua’s leadership and the unwavering support of its board, team, and partners, the Boys & Girls Club of Merced County is charting a path forward that honors its past while investing in the future of every young person it serves.
The Boys & Girls Club offers year-round programming for school-age youth ages 4 to 18, with a focus on academic enrichment, healthy living, leadership development, and creative expression. Membership remains just $20 a year thanks to the generous support of local donors, foundations, and partners.
To learn more, engage with their work, or stay updated on what’s next, visit www.bgcmerced.org, their social media pages, or call (209) 722‑9922.
