Staff Spotlight: John “Wes” Pindell IV — Bringing Light and Opportunity to the Eastern Shore

Eastern Shore Area Director | Voices of Mace’s Lane Series

Wes Pindell's journey with Boys & Girls Clubs began early and has come full circle. Promoted to Area Director this fall, Wes now serves as Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore’s voice on the Eastern Shore—bringing opportunity, consistency, and care to the communities he serves, including the future home of impact at Mace’s Lane in Cambridge. 

He first walked through the doors at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (BGCAA) Bates Club as a teenager during the inaugural year of the Junior Staff Program. After football season, his mom—who worked at the Club as the membership coordinator—encouraged him to give it a try. At 14, Wes thought he might be too old, but she reminded him there was a Teen Center. That simple nudge changed everything. 

At Bates, Wes found one of his first mentors outside of his parents. Then-CEO Mr. Brodie, a Bowie State football alum, took an interest in Wes and helped him see what was possible beyond what he knew at the time. Through the Junior Staff Program and into high school, Wes learned responsibility, leadership, and what it truly meant to show up for others. 

He went on to attend Bowie State University, returning to the Club during school breaks and summers. Over time, part-time roles grew into larger responsibilities, including serving as a Teen Coordinator. After a brief departure to work with another organization, Wes returned to BGCAA in a full-time programming role and was soon promoted into Club leadership. 

After stepping away for a few years to run a party rental business, Wes received a call from Nakita Clark, Director of Club Operations, who was building her team at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Baltimore. At the same time, Wes felt a renewed pull to support young people. He said yes—and has been back with BGCMB for the past three years. 

Wes builds relationships by showing up as the person he needed when he was young. “Every day we show up to work, we have an opportunity to make an impact and show up as the person that we needed when we were young,” he shares. 

For Wes, consistency is everything. “So many of our kids aren’t asked, ‘How are you?’ and truly seen,” he explains. “I want our children to be seen, heard, and to know they matter.” 

Even on difficult days, Wes shows up fully. He reminds himself that while it may feel like an ordinary day for him, it could be another person’s greatest day. He carries that responsibility with intention, knowing he may become part of a child’s core memory—and never takes that lightly. 

That same mindset guides how he leads staff. Wes doesn’t see roles or titles. Whether he’s running programming, serving meals, or stepping in wherever help is needed, he leads by example. “No matter where you are or where you’ve been,” he says, “we’re here to serve.”  

For Wes, success is seeing the pipeline in action. He points to Tamia, now a Club Manager, who grew up attending the Club, went to college, and returned to serve the next generation. “That’s what it’s all about,” Wes says. “Showing young people that they really can do anything they put their mind to.” 

Another moment stands out just as clearly. Through Police and Sneaks, Wes was able to provide a new pair of shoes to a young Club member. At the time, he didn’t realize the full impact of that moment. The child had been bullied at school because of the shoes he was wearing, and his mother had been working overtime trying to save enough money to buy a new pair. When she later came to the Club to say thank you, she was in tears. 

“Taking that burden off a family, even in a small way, is everything,” Wes shares. “That’s the work. Taking care of families and communities.” 

As Area Director, Wes supports Clubs across the Eastern Shore and serves as a connector between staff, families, and the broader community. His leadership reflects the vision for our Club at Mace’s Lane and the role the Club plays beyond its walls. 

“It’s really about being consistent and being seen—going to community events, visiting schools, and showing up,” Wes says. “We want the community to know we care and that we’re here to be a part of it.” 

On the Shore, Wes works closely with local school systems and a growing teen population, particularly in Cambridge. He is helping launch a service-learning initiative in Dorchester County, positioning Boys & Girls Clubs as a place where teens don’t just receive support—but are empowered to give back. 

“Our Club at Mace’s Lane Community Center will become a platform for over 200 youth to showcase the great things they’ve already been doing,” he shares. “It’s a space where they can access resources and opportunities, they might not get anywhere else.”

For Wes, Boys & Girls Clubs represent possibility. “We’re here for the ones that want to be authors and doctors, mentors and entrepreneurs,” he says. “We help them find their niche and hone in on that—to just be great. These members will grow up to become the leaders of the community. It makes sense to be part of the whole community and see where we can make the greatest impact.” 

Looking ahead, Wes sees himself continuing to learn and grow with the organization. In ten years, he hopes to step into the role of CEO at a Boys & Girls Club, following the example of leaders like Jeff Breslin, whom he looks to as a mentor. 

For now, Wes remains focused on what matters most: showing up, serving with intention, and making as many positive imprints as possible along the way.