There is no volunteer involved in the Boys & Girls Club Movement in New Jersey that has done more to support our mission and enhance the services to our Club members from across the state than Peter Maher . Peter, who has recently curtailed his involvement after eight years of chairing the New Jersey Area Council and ten years as president of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson Board was recognized for his commitment and accomplishments at the 9 th Annual Board Leadership Conference in Atlantic City .

   As President of the Boys & Girls Club of Paterson, Peter has provided the Club with the leadership and vision that has increased membership to over 4,000, expanded programs into the schools, raised unprecedented funds, developed a solid management team and most recently came to the rescue of a failing sister Club in nearby Passaic. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Paterson has benefited tremendously from the commitment of Peter's time and treasure, as has the New Jersey Area Council.

   Under Peter's leadership the New Jersey Area Council has become the leading Area Council in the nation, spearheading initiatives which significantly benefit its member clubs and keeps it at the cutting edge in the areas of public relations, marketing and fundraising.

   It was under Peter's leadership that the first full time Area Council State Director was hired, the first statewide soft drink vending agreement was developed and one of the first State Alliance was incorporated. Most recently, New Jersey became the only Area Council in the nation to create a Strategic Plan to guide its future efforts. At the time, each of these achievements was unheard of. Peter has always been an "out of the box" thinker and has pushed and pulled the Area Council to the cutting edge with his innovative ideas and determination.

   During his tenure as the Area Council Chairman, Peter has received Boys & Girls Clubs of America's highest honor for volunteers, the Clement Stone Award and the New Jersey Area Council was awarded the E.L. McKenzie Award. In New Jersey , the Area Council annually identifies one board member who has greatly impacted the Boys & Girls Club Movement not only in their local Club but throughout the state and recognizes them as the NJ Volunteer of the Year. Peter exemplifies the characteristics of such an awardee and it is with that in mind that the Area Council chose to honor him by naming the award the Peter T. Maher Volunteer of the Year Award at this year's Annual Board Leadership Conference.