Experienced Nonprofit Leader Joins Organization as it Advances Toward 2027 Opening
For Immediate Release:
June 2, 2026
Contact: Evan Owens, eowens@omc.com
LOS ANGELES — Lulu’s Place is thrilled to announce that Patrick Mahoney has been named the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Lulu’s Place. This marks a pivotal milestone for the organization as it enters the final phases of construction and preparation for its mid-2027 opening.
Mahoney brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, a demonstrated track record of scaling programs and a deep commitment to advancing educational and athletic equity for underserved youth. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles (BGCMLA), an organization dedicated to serving more than 15,000 youth across Los Angeles County.
During his tenure, he guided the organization through its most ambitious period of growth, tripling services over five years and strengthening its role as a cornerstone of youth development across LA County.
“Patrick’s appointment represents a defining moment for Lulu’s Place,” said Doug Kimmelman, Founder and Chairman of Lulu’s Place. “Ahead of opening our doors, we sought out a leader who understands that transformational change requires not just exceptional facilities, but an unwavering commitment to our mission. Patrick embodies that. His relationships across Los Angeles — particularly through his work at Boys & Girls Clubs, which serves many of the same communities as Lulu’s Place — reflects his understanding of our neighborhoods and the families we will serve through our programs.” Mahoney added, “I am deeply honored to join Lulu’s Place and help turn an extraordinary vision into reality. I have spent much of my career focused on building safe spaces where young people can access the opportunities and resources they need to thrive, regardless of circumstances. Lulu’s Place is an unparalleled facility, powered by world-class partners, and I believe it will have a transformational impact in Los Angeles. Together, we have the opportunity to create a national model for how integrated academic, athletic, and wellness programs can help young people from all backgrounds realize their full potential.”
As chief executive officer, Mahoney will lead the organization through its final construction phase and build the inaugural team that will launch Lulu’s Place as a vital resource serving more than 10,000 young people annually.
Mahoney’s career has also included executive roles at Disney/ABC TV and six years as President of Charity Brands, a strategic consulting firm specializing in sustainable philanthropy for organizations including Deloitte, Direct Relief, and The United Nations Foundation. He graduated from Boston College with a bachelor’s degree and holds certificates from Stanford University in Non-Profit Management and DePaul University in organizational development.
About Lulu’s Place
Lulu’s Place will offer state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles, north of LAX airport between the communities of Westchester and Playa del Rey, that bring together academic, athletic, and wellness programs at little or no cost to youth from all backgrounds. Trusted partners, including TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity; the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and its charitable arm USTA Foundation; Winward Academy; Cedars-Sinai; and Providence will bring together professional teachers, coaches, mentors, and service providers to deliver high-quality programs to children and their families.
The vision for this project is rooted in the passion and generosity of Carol “Lulu” Kimmelman, a Southern California native, former public elementary school teacher in South Los Angeles and lifelong tennis player who passed away in 2017 after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Today, her husband, Doug Kimmelman, and their four children are honoring Lulu’s legacy by advancing her mission to transform the lives of young people, creating greater equity in sports and education through this groundbreaking youth center. For more information, visit www.lulusplace.org or connect on Facebook and Instagram