Waltham Boys & Girls Club fires assistant executive director, reason confidential

The Waltham Boys & Girls Club fired assistant executive director Jason Smith for a confidential reason.

In an email sent to families on July 6, WBGC Executive Director Erica Young informed families that “Smith is no longer employed by the Waltham Boys & Girls Club.”

Young said the organization couldn’t share the reason for the staff change for confidentiality reasons. “The Club addresses employment matters thoughtfully, thoroughly, and in accordance with our policies and legal obligations,” she wrote in the email.

The organization received a complaint from a parent regarding Smith on June 5, which resulted in his being placed on administrative leave. Smith had worked at WBGC since 2021 as assistant executive director. 

Leila Hooper, president of WBGC board of directors, in a separate communication to families, said the Waltham Police Department had opened an investigation as a result of the complaint, which did not result in any criminal findings. 

WPD Detective Patrick Dean said he could not confirm or deny that an investigation took place. Dean, WPD’s public information officer, said the public would have been notified if an arrest had happened.

“If there was an investigation that was opened and closed and did not result in an arrest and there was no public urgency for it, we probably would not give that information out,” Dean said in a phone call with The Waltham Times.

WBGC is also conducting a third-party investigation into the incident that is ongoing.

A community member speaks out

While the exact details of the incident are unclear, community members are speaking out. A Facebook post from former WBGC employee and current Waltham District Court officer Mark Mitchell asked parents to talk to their children about their time at WBGC.

“Ask if anyone at the Club ever made them feel uncomfortable, crossed personal boundaries, or communicated with them in a way that didn’t seem appropriate,” Mitchell wrote. “Let them know they can tell you anything and that you will listen without judgment.” 

Mitchell encouraged families to contact WPD with any relevant information.

Additionally, Mitchell said he believes staff members at WBGC care about the youth they serve. “Please don’t let the actions of one individual define the entire Waltham Boys & Girls Club, but let’s also make sure we never ignore concerns involving the safety and well-being of our children,” he said.

WCAC reported that Mitchell’s wife, Lisa Kolosiej, also a former WBGC employee, wrote a letter to the WBGC board that she shared with Waltham City Council. In that letter she expressed that although there were no formal criminal charges against Smith, that doesn’t mean there was no wrongdoing. Additionally, Kolosiej expressed wanting a meeting between families and WBGC employees, as well as changes within the club.

“We deserve to know what changes are being implemented to strengthen reporting procedures, protect children and employees who come forward with concerns and ensure accountability at every level of the organization,” she said.