by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
Warren Grymes, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida, didn’t start his career in the nonprofit realm, but says that’s where he’d like to end his working career.
“The nonprofit (sector) is the same as the business. You have to have leadership in key positions for the organization to thrive and grow,” said Grymes.
BBBS has gone through six CEOs in the last eight years. Grymes has been with the organization for the last two years and doesn’t have any intention of leaving. According to its mission statement, Big Brothers Big Sisters “provides trusted adult interaction for children from predominantly single-parent families through consistent personal relationships which encourage the development of the emotional, social, educational and physical well being of the child.”
The organization celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, without much fanfare. Why? “We’re waiting for 100,” said Grymes.
He said BBBS expects to work with more than 6,000 children in the next 10 years and will have reached its goal of serving 10 percent of area children who need the services the organization provides. BBBS of Northeast Florida serves the children of Nassau, Clay, Baker, Union, Flagler, Volusia, Putnam and Duval counties.
Grymes came to Jacksonville from Baltimore to attend Bishop Kenny High School in 1963. He graduated from Jacksonville University in 1972.
Grymes has been married to his wife Cheryl for six years. He has two sons — Duffy, 30, and Jamie, 22.