Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area will recognize its 2026 Champion for Youth Carl Humphries at an event on Tuesday, August 25, in the lobby of the SiMT - Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence. You can contribute here: https://bit.ly/cfy2026 (lowercase).
Throughout his career, Humphries, Chief Executive Officer of HopeHealth, has remained committed to HopeHealth's mission of serving the underserved by ensuring access to affordable, high-quality healthcare for children and families across South Carolina.
Humphries has led the organization since 2000. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree and a Master of Social Work focused on the humanities, Carl began his career as a public health social worker with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), specializing in HIV prevention, education, and support services.
Under Carl's leadership, HopeHealth has transformed from a small community health provider into one of the state’s leading federally qualified health centers. Following the award of a highly competitive federal grant, the organization more than doubled in size, significantly expanding access to quality healthcare throughout the Pee Dee region. Today, HopeHealth serves more than 60,000 patients annually through a network of community health centers, HIV/AIDS service sites, and specialized programs. Carl oversees an organization of more than 700 employees with an annual operating budget exceeding $200 million.
His leadership has been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2017 Fred R. Sheheen Award for Excellence in Non-Profit Leadership, and he has been named one of B2B Pee Dee Business Magazine's 50 Most Influential People in the Pee Dee. Carl is also an active member of the National Association of Christians in Social Work.
Carl and his wife, Beth, reside in Florence, where they remain active in their community and continue to support efforts that improve the health and well-being of those most in need.
“As a pillar of the community, we are proud to honor Carl as our 2026 Champion for Youth,” says Neal Zimmerman, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pee Dee Area.
This year's Champions for Youth Tribute event will be held at 6p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, in the lobby of the SiMT - Southeastern Institute of Manufacturing and Technology at Florence-Darlington Technical College, 1951 Pisgah Road, Florence.
The Tribute event supports programs that help thousands of children throughout the Pee Dee grow into productive adults. Attendance and financial contributions will help brighten the lives of some of our community’s most promising children. The Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth every day after school and all day on non-school days and during the summer. Clubs provide a safe place where young people can learn and grow while helping them become productive citizens.
Previous Champions For Youth honorees: 2025, Erik Marechal; 2024, Dr. Al Gilpin; 2023, Carlos Washington; 2022, Rick & Susan Goings; 2019, William T. “Billy” Jarrell; 2018, Tom Ewart; 2017, Rob Colones; 2016, Buddy Brand; 2015, Dr. Tammy Pawloski; 2014, Florence Boys & Girls Club 50th Anniversary; 2013, East Florence Mission/ Center Day School; 2012, Rev. Dr. William P. Diggs; 2011, Darla Moore; 2010, Ralph R. Porter, Jr.; 2009, Dr. Allie E. Brooks Jr.; 2008, Richard C. Harrington Jr.; 2007, Rep. James E. Clyburn; 2006, Sen. Hugh Leatherman Sr.; 2005, Dr. Luther F. Carter and 2004, Frank Avent.
For more information, call 843-662-1142 or visit https://www.bgcpda.org.
