Executive Staff and Board members of the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst are pleased to announce that Coarsegold resident Richard Pastoria began his position as the new unit director Monday, Nov. 5.

Pastoria was selected after dozens of applicants were interviewed from all over the state over the last several weeks. Staff wanted to make sure they hired the best possible candidate for the club and feel Pastoria was the right choice.

"The combination of Richard's business experience and work with kids will be invaluable to the club," said Rima Runtzel, president of the club. "I am looking forward to working with him as we move towards achieving our shared goals."

Pastoria will be responsible for operations and administration of the Club. He will lead youth development with quality programs, staffing, budgeting, and the performance of other related activities. These responsibilities include implementing programs to meet specific objectives, providing supervision and leadership to staff and volunteers, actively recruiting new club members, and relaying objectives of the Boys & Girls Club national movement to staff, members, and the community.

Pastoria moved from southern California with his wife Wendie, 20 month old twins Dante and Sophia, and 3-year-old daughter Siena, from Thousand Oaks to Coarsegold in June 2011. They were looking for a smaller town that would provide a safe and friendly environment in which to raise their children and Coarsegold was just that.

He has over 25 years of business experience, and served a six year tour in the United States Air Force as an F-16 Falcon Flight Operations Specialist. Most recently he created a corporate interview training service that helps business professionals prepare for corporate interviews, and medical school graduates prepare for residency selection boards. His background also includes 20 years of experience as a tennis instructor and coach, having held staff positions in Michigan, Colorado and California with tennis clubs, tennis training academies, and most recently with Yosemite High School, where he served as the assistant coach for the boys and girls varsity tennis teams.

"I sincerely look forward to working with the community in my new position as Unit Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, and know that together we will make a difference in children's lives," said Pastoria, who says he hopes many families will stop by and visit the club to see what it has to offer.

Details: www.BGCOakhurst.com or email BGCO@sti.net.