Christopher J. Decker, Esq. has spent his career serving the communities of Monmouth County, giving him a unique perspective on the importance of investing in young people before they ever face life’s biggest challenges. After getting to know Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County through years of community involvement in Asbury Park, joining the Board of Directors felt like a natural next step. Today, Chris brings his experience, commitment to public service, and belief in the limitless potential of every child to help advance the Club’s mission.
What motivated you to join the board of directors?
In approximately 2014, I was assigned to our office in Asbury Park. As part of my assignment there, I began attending various community functions and meetings in the City. Over the course of time, I met with various community stakeholders who were doing some inspiring work within the Greater Asbury Park area. Amongst those was Doug Eagles, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. It was obvious to see the vision he had for furthering the great tradition of the Boys & Girls Club. For the next several years, I would often see Doug around town and found myself at various meetings and events at the Club. Ultimately, Doug and board member Janice Fuller approached me about joining the board. I was honored that they believed I could be an asset to the Club, and I jumped at the opportunity to formalize a relationship with the Club in hopes of playing some small role in furthering its mission to provide more opportunities for the youth in Monmouth County.
What most appeals to you about the Club and its mission?
Throughout my career I have seen firsthand that bad things tend to happen when youth have too much idle time. The Club’s mission, I believe, is to provide a safe environment for our youth and utilize its programming to foster their growth and empower them to reach their full potential. Every success story produced by the Club simply reinforces to these children that, if they embrace the opportunities provided by the Club, their potential is limitless.
How do you see the Club’s role in the broader picture of youth outcomes in Monmouth County?
While there are many amazing stakeholders providing services to assist families in our local communities, the staff at the Boys & Girls Club are truly the “boots on the ground.” Many of us help to support the Club and its mission, but without the staff, many of whom grew up in the Club, none of the success stories could be possible. The staff, who work with our kids every day, do so to ensure that every kid has a chance to learn, grow and, ultimately, be successful in life.
Is there a moment in your career that shaped how you think about kids and community?
I don’t know if there was any one moment that shaped the way I think about kids and the community, but I certainly have witnessed that if you invest in our youth, foster a safe environment and simply introduce children to things that they might not otherwise experience, the chances of success are exponentially higher.
What is a personal or professional accomplishment that you are most proud of?
As an attorney, I am extremely proud of some of the success I have had in the courtroom. But, more importantly, I have had the privilege of working with many great people in our local community whose primary goal is to provide opportunities for our youth with the goal of keeping them out of the criminal justice system. Playing even a small part in that process is something that has been very satisfying. Through my work, I have also very much enjoyed opportunities to speak at several local schools about my experiences in the criminal justice system.
Would you like to share anything about yourself, such as a favorite hobby or activity?
I am married with three teenage girls. There’s nothing I love more than watching them in their athletic endeavors. For the past several years I have truly loved helping to coach my twins soccer team through the Ocean United Soccer Association.
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