Brandon Kivett, current director of operations and interim executive director, has been promoted to chief operating officer of the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills.

Kivett will work alongside newly elected Chief Professional Officer Caroline Eddy, beginning Jan. 3, a news release said.

"I can't think of a more dynamic, committed team than Brandon and Caroline Eddy," said Mike Hardinger, president of the Boys and Girls Club board of directors. "Brandon is the hardest worker and most respected leader at the club. He runs the operation like a true professional. The club would not be where it is today without Brandon."

Kivett has served the Southern Pines/Aberdeen clubs since 2007 as senior unit director and director of operations.

Prior to joining the Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills, Kivett was unit director at the Boys and Girls Club of Sanford/Lee County.

Kivett has received numerous awards during his tenure with the Boys and Girls Club. He was elected to the Boys and Girls Club of America Academy in 2009 and also was given the Inspirational Staff Member Award 2009.

He has completed numerous training programs with the national Boys and Girls Club organization, including advanced leadership management and management level two. Additionally, Kivett serves as the North Carolina Staff Committee chairman for 2010-2011.

A native of Lee County, Kivett attended the Boys and Girls Club in Lee County as a youth.

"You will never meet a person with more passion for the Boys and Girls Club than Brandon Kivett," Hardinger said.

The Boys and Girls Club of the Sandhills serves nearly 300 kids each day with after-school programming and a hot dinner each evening. Last year, more than 2,000 children in Moore County benefited from the club's services.