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Washington, D.C., Sept. 25, 2024 – The National Association of Police Athletic / Activities Leagues, Inc. (National PAL) announces today that Dr. Steve Coan has been named executive director and chief operating officer. Dr. Coan, currently a senior administrator at Ripon College in Wisconsin, has been a national leader in developing partnerships between higher education, youth services, and K12 education for decades, and will lead National PAL’s operations and strategic growth.

“Dr. Coan has a history with National PAL, working with many of our chapters over the years to bridge the gap in STEM education for the most disadvantaged youth, and promoting mentoring and partnerships that empower youth,” said Chris Hill, CEO of National PAL. “Having led four organizations as CEO or COO, and consulted with many others, he is a proven non-profit manager who cares deeply about our nation’s youth.”

In his role, Coan will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations, ensuring the effective implementation of programs that support youth development and community engagement across the country. He will also work closely with law enforcement agencies and local chapters to enhance outreach efforts and foster stronger relationships between youth and their communities.

“I have deep admiration for the thousands of PAL volunteers and law enforcement officers across our nation, police officers, sheriffs, campus police, and federal agents, who give their time to help kids, every day, in some of the most forgotten neighborhoods of our country,” Coan said. “PAL reaches places and kids that other agencies cannot or do not, because law enforcement officers, in addition to putting their lives on the line every day, are also at the front line of human need on a daily basis.”

Coan, a native of Boston, hails from a law enforcement family and served for many years on the police commission in Stonington, Connecticut.  He is also a trustee of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation and a commissioner with the New England Commission for Higher Education, a federally recognized accrediting agency for colleges and universities.  Coan is an alumnus of Brandeis University, where he earned a master’s degree in management of youth services and a PhD in social policy.

“I pledge to give my all to assuring that our PAL chapters and kids are not forgotten, and to fight every day for the resources and advocacy that our chapters need to better serve young people,” Coan said.

About National PAL

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc (National PAL) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing youth with opportunities for growth and development through positive engagement with law enforcement. With over 300 chapters nationwide, National PAL serves millions of young people, fostering a safer and more supportive community through mentorship, leadership programs, and recreational activities. To learn more about National PAL’s programs or how to get involved, visit: nationalpal.org.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Mackey

[email protected]

702-672-6117

The post National PAL Names Dr. Steve Coan Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer appeared first on National PAL.

Dr. Duncan to lead youth mental health initiatives for 2M+ National PAL youth

Washington, D.C., Sept. 18, 2024 – The National Association of Police Athletic / Activities Leagues (National PAL) announces today that Dr. Galen Duncan, nationally recognized sports clinician, former NCAA standout basketball star, and alumnus of the Detroit Police Athletic League, has been appointed to lead a nationwide mental health and wellness program for the nearly two million youth participating in National PAL programs.

“The mental health needs of our nation’s youth are staggering, especially among the most disadvantaged youth who are served every day by our chapters,” said Chris Hill, CEO of National PAL. “Dr. Duncan and National PAL are committed to developing innovative programs and initiatives throughout our network of chapters to combat this growing challenge.”

Dr. Duncan is a nationally known psychologist with broad academic and clinical experience in sports medicine and substance abuse treatment, most recently serving on the faculty of the University of Illinois Chicago. He has been a pioneer in player development with the National Basketball Association and National Football League including the Sacramento Kings and Detroit Lions.  He has also worked with several NCAA Division I athletic programs.

“PAL had a deep impact on me personally and this is an opportunity to develop and implement models and programs that can help all youth, especially the most vulnerable,” Dr. Duncan said.  “For too long we have focused on patchwork solutions and relied upon limited resources while the mental health needs of young people have grown, especially in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic. I look forward to working with our dedicated PAL professionals and volunteers throughout the country to truly address the mental health needs of youth in an intentional and impactful way.”
A retired United States Army Reserves officer, the Southfield, Michigan native and Lake Superior State alumnus (’94) played collegiate basketball before securing his master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University (’97), and Ph.D. in health psychology from Walden University in 2006. He is a current board member of the SASHA center for Domestic Violence Program located in Detroit, and is the first recipient and namesake of the organization’s Community Impact Award

About National PAL

The National Association of Police Athletic/Activities Leagues, Inc (National PAL) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing youth with opportunities for growth and development through positive engagement with law enforcement. With over 300 chapters nationwide, National PAL serves millions of young people, fostering a safer and more supportive community through mentorship, leadership programs, and recreational activities. To learn more about National PAL’s programs or how to get involved, visit: nationalpal.org.

Media Contact:

Jennifer Mackey

[email protected]

702-672-6117

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