B&GC of North County celebrates Gabriel Gonzalez's 30 year career

FALLBROOK – Gabriel "Gabe" Gonzalez is integral to smoothly running the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County. He is the Facilities and Transportation Director and celebrates his 30th work anniversary, June 1.

Back in 1993, Gonzalez was just finishing his first year of art school and was home in Fallbrook looking for a summer job. His friend directed him to the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County, and he started working as an art teacher.

Growing up in Fallbrook, he spent his childhood playing basketball at the club and was familiar with the positive impact the cub had on kids. He found he related to Club members needing a male role model and he greatly enjoyed the positive impact he had on kids' lives. It is now 30 years later, and Gonzalez has spent his whole career with the club.

Over the years, Gonzalez held a variety of positions carrying more and more responsibility. Additionally, he also spent eight years in the Army Reserves and served a one-year deployment in Iraq. When he came back from Iraq, he became the Sports Director of the Club, then he progressed to Unit Director.

About eight years ago, he was promoted to Facilities and Transportation Director. During this time, Gonzalez also volunteered as a sports coach and referee for 20 years.

Lisa Ware, Director of Operations of B&GC of North County, praises Gonzalez, "Gabe has so many skills; we cannot run the club without his expertise, wisdom, and invaluable experience. It seems most everyone in the Fallbrook community knows and loves Gabe. We appreciate him being a consistent, reliable, positive role model for our kids."

Allison Barclay, CEO of B&GC of North County agrees, "We are really lucky to have Gabe on our team. He cares deeply for the kids in our community, and he dedicated his career to the club. He has a broad skillset as an accomplished artist, phenomenal athlete, caring mentor, skilled bus driver, fantastic coach, and he is great with parents."

In addition to playing many sports from mixed martial arts, archery, baseball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, to football, Gonzalez continues working on his art, takes courses online to improve his mind, loves movies, and collects action figures. His favorite Marvel character is the Hulk; he also collects Spawn and Star Wars figures. Years ago, he worked security at Comic Con and has met many celebrities. He is a dedicated family man and has been with his wife for nearly 21 years and is a proud grandfather.

Barclay added, "We so appreciate Gabe's long dedication and service to the children of Fallbrook, and we look forward to having him on our team for years to come!"

B&GC of North County has a 60-year history of serving the youth of Fallbrook and has many exciting programs planned for the summer. For more information about the club, visit http://www.bgcnothcounty.org or call 760-728-5871.

Submitted by the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County.