New ED Joins Huckleberry Youth

A San Francisco-based nonprofit that assists homeless and runaway youth and offers HIV prevention education is getting a new executive director.

Doug Styles, 49, will officially take the lead at Huckleberry Youth Programs July 1.

Styles, a straight ally who was born and raised in San Francisco, said he wanted the job because the services the organization provides are "just fabulous," and he'd met many staff members.

Team members are "all working very hard to really connect with the youth in San Francisco and Marin," said Styles. "I was just impressed to see their work, and I realized this is a team I want to be on."

The nonprofit offers many of its services to people in San Francisco and Marin counties. Programs include Huckleberry House, which departing Executive Director Bruce Fisher says in the group's 2013 annual report is "the only licensed, 24-hour crisis shelter for teens in San Francisco."

The organization's work also includes HIV Youth Prevention Education, a four-day workshop series geared toward young people.

Styles, a licensed psychologist, most recently worked as the clinical director and associate director for StarVista, a nonprofit in San Mateo that, according to its website, works to help young people and others "overcome challenges through education, counseling, and residential services."

Fisher, who's retiring after leading the organization since 1988, is staying through June. Styles has been executive director-designate since May 1 and will officially become executive director after Fisher leaves June 30.

Jerry Peters, chair of Huckleberry Youth's board, said in a statement, "During the interview process, it became very clear to us that Doug has a deep passion for youth services and developing untapped potential in others. He believes strongly in everyday creativity, shared leadership, and participatory decision-making."

Huckleberry Youth served over 6,000 clients during the 2012-13 fiscal year, when its total expenses were about $4.5 million, according to its annual report. Styles declined to state his salary, but indicated it's over $100,000. He said the group has "between 70 and 80" paid staffers.

This fiscal year, about 20 percent of youth served through Huckleberry House and the Huckleberry Youth Health Center identified as LGBTQQ, with approximately 25 percent of clients not disclosing their orientation or gender identity, according to Styles.

Styles said there's a divide between people who do have resources and those who don't that's "getting stronger and greater" as many youth go without stable housing, education, and access to health care.

The challenge for Huckleberry Youth is meeting the needs of the youth it serves "as best as possible," he said.

As it is for many nonprofits, fundraising is another challenge the group is facing, and Styles said it's continuing to "go out and fundraise," seeking support from foundations and grants. Huckleberry Youth also raises money through its annual Run for the Roses party that coincides with the Kentucky Derby. This year's event, held in May, raised more than $200,000.

Asked about any changes planned for the nonprofit, Styles said, "The organization is really solid. It's nice to walk into something like that. I don't see anything quickly on the horizon."

He said that he and Fisher have been working on "some future ideas" and suggested that there will be more information in the fall.

In the nonprofit's annual report, Fisher said, "I am optimistic that Huckleberry will continue to grow and continue to provide caring and committed support to thousands of youth annually in the years to come. I will always be one of Huckleberry's biggest supporters."