The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula Foundation recently hired Jerry Opp of Portland, Ore., as their first executive director.

One of Opp’s primary goals would be building an endowment for the Sequim and Port Angeles clubs to help provide long-term financial stability and sustainability for the clubs while enabling them to reach out to future generations.

“Personally, I strive to invest in and be involved with endeavors that are larger than myself, that will outlast me, leave a legacy and make a difference,” Opp said.

“I love opportunities to help others find ways to transform lives now, as well as impact the future. I see involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs as a strategic way to do that.”

Pat McCauley, foundation treasurer, said the eight-member board sought out Opp because they needed someone to move the foundation forward by making an endowment so that the clubs don’t have to be as aggressive with and dependent upon fundraising campaigns.

For 37 years, Opp has been involved in the nonprofit sector, including the past 11 years working with the Ministry Advance Foundation in gift and estate planning. He plans to continue as its president. Opp said he enjoys helping people find ways to meet their own monetary needs as well as accomplish their charitable giving goals at the same time.

“Our young people are the future and well worth the investment of our time and money,” Opp said. “We can make a positive difference in a child’s life, which in turn will benefit our entire community in many ways.”

Opp has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, is a graduate of the National Planned Giving Institute and holds a certified financial planner’s license. He and his wife, JoAnn, recently celebrated 40 years of marriage, have two children, two foster children and seven grandchildren.

The foundation board raised money the past five years through its Olympic Bike Adventure to build up funds to help pay for the part-time executive director position.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, 400 W. Fir St., can be reached at 683-8095.