Youth services group names successor for longtime leader

AYS Inc. has chosen the second CEO in the not-for-profit’s 34-year history, the youth-services organization announced Tuesday.

Chrystal Struben, a former executive at Planned Parenthood of Indiana & Kentucky and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, succeeds AYS founder Ellen Clippinger, who retired as CEO and president in March after 34 years with the organization.

Struben’s appointment begins immediately.

AYS offers more than 40 programs to about 2,000 children in five central Indiana counties. It also operates a training center that offers Safe Sitter classes and professional development courses.

The organization reported total revenue of $5.4 million and expenses of $4.5 million during the year ended June 30, 2013, according to its most recent tax filings.

Struben has more than 15 years of experience in not-for-profit management, fundraising and marketing, AYS said. She also is a parent of an AYS program participant.

“The Board of Directors felt Ms. Struben's extensive non-profit background, vision, energy and knowledge of AYS will serve her well as the new president and CEO, and we look forward to her building on the solid foundation in place at AYS,” AYS Board Chairman Tim Witmer said in a prepared statement. “It is evident throughout Struben’s career she has developed a strong track record of driving program standards, increasing donations and improving marketing.”

Struben, a North Vernon native and Purdue University graduate, spent eight years at Planned Parenthood as vice president of development, communications and education. Prior to that, she was marketing manager at the Children’s Museum for seven years.

“As a working mother, AYS has been instrumental in helping me balance family, school and work schedules, while allowing my child to have rewarding and enriching educational experiences outside of school hours,” Struben said in a written statement. “I am thrilled to now be a part of this vital organization and look forward to helping AYS continue its growth and success.”