Network & Mentoring Member Bio

Judith J. Pickens has more than 30 years experience as an educator and human services professional. As Senior Vice President of Program Services, Pickens is responsible for developing and implementing national programs in five core areas: Character and Leadership Development; Education and Career Development; Health and Life Skills; The Arts; and Sports, Fitness and Recreation. The roster of national programs includes several with major corporate and government partners, such as Project Learn (JCPenney Afterschool), the TEENSupreme outreach initiative for teenage Club members (Taco Bell Foundation), CareerLaunch (The Gap Foundation), and Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach (Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention). Also under Pickens' management is B&GCA's Urban Services. Program Services is one of B&GCA's largest and most creative departments. It is mission-driven and acutely aware of the needs of children, youth, families and communities world-wide.

Previously Pickens served as B&GCA's Director of Career Development, where she was a trainer, managed the Robert W. Woodruff Fellowship Program for aspiring Club executives, and created the Junior Staff Career Development Program designed to develop the quality, competent and committed work force needed to fulfill the mission of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. She began her Boys & Girls Club career in 1980 serving as Center Director for a B&GCA affiliate, Crime Prevention Association of Philadelphia. She has also worked as an elementary school teacher and counselor, an adjunct professor of psychology at Brandywine College in Claymont, Del., and an administrator for juvenile delinquency prevention programs in Philadelphia.

Pickens has been honored with numerous awards and citations, including: the prestigious Mayor's replica of the Liberty Bell for outstanding community service in the city of Philadelphia and the Pedagogy Award for Christian Education from the Pennsylvania District Congress of Christian Education. In 1998, she was the recipient of the Herman S. Prescott Award sponsored by the Concerned Professional Committee of the Association of Boys & Girls Club Professionals. In 1999, she was bestowed the Phenomenal Woman Leadership Award from the National Dental Association. At the May 2000 National Conference of Boys & Girls Clubs of America held in New Orleans, Judith was inducted into the Academy of Boys & Girls Club Professionals as a Master and Mentor. Her likeness is etched in marble in the Wall of Fame at national headquarters in Atlanta.

Pickens serves as a member of the board of Character Education Partnership, the Advisory board of the Leadership Center at Morehouse College, and is Chair of the Program Group of the National Collaboration for Youth. She was conferred a master's degree in education, with a specialization in counseling psychology from Temple University in Philadelphia, Penn., and has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from the nation's oldest historically black college and university: Cheyney State University in Cheyney, Penn.

Pickens is married to Bob Pickens, former U.S. Olympian and former NFL offensive tackle with the Chicago Bears.