Brandy Harris, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, sat down with Tom Carlson for an episode of "In Our Town." (Photo by Shannon Cay)

Episode description: For Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield CEO Brandy Harris, leading efforts to improve the lives of disadvantaged children in the Springfield metro is a full circle moment. Having lived through a difficult childhood facing poverty and abuse, Harris believes her current position is a testament to the transformational impact caring adults can have on a child’s life.

In this episode, host Tom Carlson speaks with Harris about her formative experiences growing up in the Queen City, what she has learned as she spearheads the development of services and resources for youth and the key insights she has gained by listening to and advocating for children in the community.


About the podcast: In Our Town is a podcast about Springfield, Mo. issues and leaders, hosted by Tom Carlson, publisher and founder of the Hauxeda.

About the host: Tom Carlson is the publisher and founder of the Hauxeda. An attorney and real estate developer who specializes in affordable housing, Tom was the longest-serving mayor of Springfield, serving 14 years over seven non-consecutive terms between 1988 and 2009.