WCAC

 

Jason Smith, the former assistant executive director of the Waltham Boys & Girls Club (WBGC), has been fired following a “police investigation…with no criminal findings” and the start of an ongoing third-party review.

On Monday, the club’s executive director and board chair issued statements about the situation without providing details about the “confidential personnel matter.”

What happened? It’s unclear, but as speculation grows, two former club staff members are calling for changes, with hopes that no child or staff member ever feels reluctant to speak up.

On Tuesday, the head of the club’s board pledged to meet with parents to address concerns.

Termination and Ongoing Review

Jason Smith worked at the club since late 2021 and served as the club’s assistant executive director.

In a statement to club families Monday, WBGC executive director Erica Young confirmed that Smith no longer works for the club and added that “confidentiality limits what we can share about personnel matters.”

More detail was provided by Leila Hooper, the new president of the WBGC board of directors.

She said Tuesday that the club received a parent complaint on June 5 and immediately placed Smith on administrative leave the same day. 

 

He was not present at the club’s annual Summer Eats Kickoff on June 26, and he was terminated on July 1.

“To provide full clarity and peace of mind to our community, we want to share that a [Waltham] police investigation was conducted regarding this matter and has been completed with no criminal findings,” Hooper said this week in a separate message to families.

 

Hooper, shown above at the club's annual gala in May, added that “prior to the employee termination we launched a thorough, independent review by a third party to ensure a completely unbiased assessment of our past and current practices, leadership accountability and reporting structures. This investigation is ongoing and we are committed to seeing the process through to completion.”

Currently, it’s unknown when the review will conclude, Hooper said.

In the meantime, club operations will continue as a replacement for Smith is sought. Both Erica Young and Leila Hooper said that the safety of club members is a top priority.

 

“The trust that families place in us is something we value deeply,” said Erica Young, shown above. “Our commitment to providing a safe, positive and supportive environment for every child remains unwavering.” 

“It hurts me to write this, but I feel it’s important”

Two former staff members and club parents who have maintained their involvement in the WBGC are seeking changes at the club following Jason Smith’s termination.

Mark Mitchell, shown below as a WBGC coach, grew up in the club and worked there in various capacities before becoming a court officer in Waltham District Court. 

 

A few months ago, he held a third basketball game fundraiser for his late brother’s foundation in the club gym, reflecting his continuing club involvement. 

His wife Lisa Kolosiej was also a club member for 10 years and worked as a WBGC office administrator from 2007 to 2014. 

 

Three of her kids from an earlier marriage went through the club, and the couple have a son who has been going happily to the club for 5 years.

The pair have been approached by parents and former staff members with complaints about Jason Smith.

They want to let those directly involved characterize what happened, but said Smith created an atmosphere of “general intimidation” that negatively affected club staff and members and that he met with club members one-on-one behind closed doors in violation of club policies.

 

Given the club’s key role as a safe space for Waltham youth, Mark Mitchell took to social media to ask club parents to talk with their children following Smith’s firing.

“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. Let them know they can tell you anything and that you will listen without judgment,” Mitchell said.

He reiterated his commitment to the club and its staff and his continuing belief in its mission. 

“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,” Mitchell said.

Going a step further, Lisa Kolosiej wrote a detailed letter to the WBGC board that was also shared with Waltham elected officials. 

“The absence of criminal charges does not necessarily mean that inappropriate conduct did not occur or that there were no failures in protecting children or responding appropriately to concerns,” she wrote.

Along with pressing for more transparency and protections for club members, she also expressed concerns about WBGC staff.

“Equally concerning are accounts from current and former staff who say they were reluctant to come forward because they feared retaliation or believed their concerns would not be addressed,” she wrote.

“A culture where employees are hesitant to report concerns is incompatible with an organization entrusted with the care and safety of children. The review should evaluate whether staff felt supported in reporting concerns and whether leadership responded appropriately when concerns were raised.”

For Kolosiej, the next step is a meeting involving parents and club officials and changes moving forward.

“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 wrote.

2024 Professional of the Year

Jason Smith was initially hired as the club’s director of operations in December 2021 “with nearly 20 years of senior-level leadership experience in community service and youth development.”

He was previously the dean of students at Hillview Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill. 

 

A club release at the time said he earned a full Division I scholarship to play basketball at George Washington University and graduated top of his class with a degree in criminology and sociology.

His responsibilities as the WBGC assistant executive director included working with Waltham schools and police, helping to coordinate the club’s meals program and acting as a liaison with club parents. Every spring, he introduced the nominees for the club’s annual Youth of the Year award.

An intense public speaker at club fundraisers, Smith often reflected on challenges faced by members.

 

During the club's 2025 gala and fundraiser at the Westin, one club parent described Smith’s efforts to help his son who was struggling [testimonial starts at 35:30 in this video].

In mid-2024, the Yankee Chapter of the Boys & Girls Professional Association, which supports over 50 clubs across New England, named Smith its 2024 Professional of the Year.

He was credited with strengthened partnerships with families, Waltham schools and community groups, building trust and creating new opportunities for youth to reach their goals.

A club release said that “Jason has significantly enhanced our club's programming by advocating for youth voice, choice and influence. His initiatives, such as allowing members to vote on activities and implementing restorative circles for conflict resolution, have boosted engagement and participation.”

But those restorative circles are now under fire from Lisa Kolosiej, who worried they could prevent kids and staff from expressing themselves. 

“While restorative practices can be valuable when implemented appropriately, they should never make a child or employee feel pressured, intimidated or unable to speak freely,” she wrote the board in her letter. 

Meeting the Moment

On Tuesday, WBGC board president Leila Hooper expressed her “commitment to listening and responding to the club community.”

She and fellow board member Geoff Stanton plan to meet with the parent who made the initial complaint about Jason Smith. They are also willing to meet with any other parents to address concerns.

The nature of those meetings remains to be worked out. Lisa Kolosiej is seeking a meeting with multiple parents whereas Hooper said she hoped to meet with parents on a more individual basis. 

Meanwhile, the third-party review of the Jason Smith situation is moving forward to determine an appropriate course of action, Hooper said. Lisa Kolosiej wants parents and others involved.

 

Changes appear warranted at this point, but both sides appear to want the same thing: to solicit feedback from the club community, with the goal of restoring the atmosphere of trust and support that makes the Waltham Boys & Girls Club such a special place for so many.