Valley Youth House Board of Directors Appoints Thomas R. Harrington, Chief Executive Officer

The Valley Youth House (VYH) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the unanimous decision to appoint Thomas R. Harrington, as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.

“After an extensive search process, the Board of Directors is pleased to have found this exceptional executive leader to guide our organization into the future,” said Lesley Fallon, Chair of the Valley Youth House Board of Directors.  “Tom has outstanding leadership skills, vision, and demonstrated long term success in fundraising and evidence-based programs for at-risk youth.”

“It is an honor to serve as the new CEO of Valley Youth House,” said Harrington.  “I look forward to working with Valley Youth House’s caring and compassionate staff, and the dedicated and strategic Board of Directors and Board of Governors, to continue the agency’s rich history of building a solid foundation for every individual that comes through our doors.”

Harrington has worked professionally for the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) for the past 34 years, most recently serving as the Western Region Director for the BSA, supporting 57 councils in the western United States.  Prior to joining the National BSA Council, Harrington served as the Scout Executive and CEO of the Cradle of Liberty Council, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA from 2010-2013, and the Scout Executive and CEO of the Minsi Trails Council, headquartered in Allentown, PA, from 2001-2010.

Much of Harrington’s work with the BSA has focused on building resilience, character and leadership skills with disadvantaged youth.  Harrington has been an advocate of inclusion and service to all youth, and served in a key role as the BSA changed its membership policies to become more inclusive.  An advocate of the Positive Youth Development model, Harrington also brings many years of successful fundraising and Board development efforts.

Harrington received his B.A. in Political Science, Cum Laude, from the Miami University of Ohio.  He holds several certifications from Harvard Business School, the John F. Kennedy School of Government, the Jindal School of Management at the University of Texas, and the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.  Harrington and his wife, Kathy, have two grown children and will be relocating to the Lehigh Valley from Dallas, Texas.

Valley Youth House looks forward to Harrington’s leadership to further its mission to empower and strengthen the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence.

Please join the Board of Directors, Board of Governors, and staff in welcoming Tom to the VYH team!