Thacker was selected as one of 25 nominees nationally to receive the distinction, which includes a $20,000 financial award to help deepen the impact of Boys & Girls Clubs in the community. Bill Sadlo, CEO/president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, presented the one-time grant, which Thacker will use to enhance performing arts programs at the Robert and Joan Lee Boys & Girls Club of Venice.
“Lee is truly a dependable leader who selflessly gives his time and efforts to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, and we are proud to see him recognized with this incredible award from Maytag,” Sadlo said.
Shaneeka Lee, an alumna of the Roy McBean Club in Newtown (Sarasota County), joined in the celebration.
Shaneeka is one of many young people that Lee has mentored over the years. With his guidance, she has finished college and is now pursuing an advanced degree.
The father of two children and five grandchildren, Lee Thacker understands the needs of young people. Since 1996, he has been a passionate supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County, serving two terms as board chair and five as chair of the resource development committee. He was also instrumental in helping Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota County open its fourth Club, in Venice. Among many B&GC honors, he was named as State Board Member of the Year. Prior to his role here, he served on Boys & Girls Club committees and boards in Columbia, SC, Orlando and Atlanta.
Thacker is a director, vice president, secretary and trust officer of Caldwell Trust Company and a director of its parent, Trust Companies of America, Inc. He holds a degree in Economics from Duke University and is a Certified Financial Planner. The Thackers are key members of the Caldwell family. Lee’s wife Suzanne is compliance coordinator for Caldwell Trust Company.