Boys and Girls Club names Spahr as executive director

Scott Spahr knows he’s replacing big shoes.

Spahr, the Morristown Boys and Girls Club director, will be the next J. Kenneth Self Boys and Girls Club executive director in Shelbyville. He replaces John Hartnett, who is retiring in October after a 40-year career with the Boys and Girls Club.

“Those are huge shoes to fill,” he said of Hartnett’s legacy. “I think it will be a good fit.”

Having spent the last eight years as director in Morristown, Spahr is plenty aware of running the program.

“It’s been a godsend for us,” he said of his time with the Morristown Boys and Girls Club. “It’s been a great experience, and I can’t wait to keep on doing it.”

He also brings business acumen in management, having worked as a basketball coach at Shelby Eastern Schools, according to a press release.

“Scott is the right leader to replace the legendary John Hartnett,” said Brady Claxton, Self Boys and Girls Club board president, in a press release. “Scott’s extensive knowledge of what it takes to manage a successful club, along with his tireless work ethic to ensure the youth in our community reach their full potential as productive, responsible citizens will definitely expand the legacy left by Hartnett.”

Spahr is a retired United States Army veteran who has previously served on the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce board of directors. He was honored as Morristown’s outstanding citizen in 2014.

He will become the fourth executive director in the Boys and Girls Club’s 66-year history when he starts on Oct. 5. Hartnett will continue in his current role until Oct. 2, which is a Friday.

Spahr said he has no preexisting thoughts on any changes he wants to make and will start by assessing the big picture.

The goal, he said, is to “do what’s right for the kids.”