Gary Violette currently serves as the Area Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine, overseeing programs in Lewiston and Auburn. His journey with the Boys & Girls Clubs began as the Director of the Hudson Club, a role he describes as the most rewarding opportunity of his life. During his time in Hudson, Gary created lasting memories and built meaningful relationships with youth, often through shared adventures like whitewater rafting, ice fishing, and hands-on science projects—including one particularly vivid memory where Club members had the chance to present their project to President Obama.

 

Gary grew up in Auburn, Maine and studied Forestry at the University of Maine before serving four years in Germany with the U.S. Army. He later returned to Maine, settling in Kennebunk, where he owned and operated Village Pizza for over a decade. His passion for working with youth led him to the Good Will-Hinckley School in Fairfield, and eventually to Massachusetts, where he served as the Director of the Hudson Boys & Girls Club. Today, he continues to support and inspire youth across Southern Maine.

 

To Gary, the Club is much more than a workplace — it’s a safe haven where healthy and supportive relationships are built, and where kids and teens feel seen, heard, and welcomed. Above all, Gary is most proud of his family: his wife Barbie, their four children, and nine grandchildren.