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Optimist International's Overview

Total employees177
HeadquartersSt. Louis
Founded1919

Optimist International is a worldwide volunteer organization comprised of thousands of local clubs whose members are dedicated to 'Bringing Out the Best in Youth, in our Communities, and in Ourselves.' Founded in 1919, the organization conducts positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth. With a focus on optimism, members support programs like the Oratorical Contest, Essay Contest, Junior Golf Championships, Childhood Cancer Campaign, and various other community-based initiatives designed to empower young people and foster their development.

Where is Optimist International's Headquarters?

HQ Function

The headquarters serves as the central administrative hub, providing support, resources, program coordination, and leadership development for Optimist Clubs and members across the globe.

Notable Features:

The headquarters building, known as the Optimist International Building, is a prominent and historic structure located in the Central West End of St. Louis, recognized for its distinctive architecture.

Work Culture:

The work culture at Optimist International headquarters is likely mission-driven, collaborative, and focused on service, supporting a vast network of volunteers and advancing youth-centric programs with a positive and optimistic approach.

HQ Significance:

The St. Louis headquarters is crucial as the operational core for a global volunteer network, facilitating the organization's international mission, managing programs, and connecting thousands of local clubs dedicated to youth welfare.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters embodies values of service, optimism, community engagement, and global cooperation by supporting worldwide efforts to empower youth and foster positive development.

Location:

Optimist International operates through a vast network of autonomous local clubs in numerous countries across the world. Its global functions include developing and promoting international youth programs (such as Oratorical, Essay, and Communications Contests for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Junior Golf, and Childhood Health & Wellness initiatives), providing membership support and leadership training, organizing international conventions, and distributing resources to empower local volunteers in their community service and youth development projects worldwide.

Street Address:

4494 Lindell Blvd.

City:

St. Louis

State/Province:

Missouri

Country:

USA

Optimist International's Global Presence

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Address: 6045 rue de St-Vallier, Montreal, QC H2S 2P6, Canada

To facilitate administrative functions, manage Canadian-specific programs, and empower Canadian Optimist Clubs in their mission to serve youth and communities within Canada, adapting international initiatives to the national context.

Buying Intent Signals for Optimist International

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Executive Team of Optimist International

As of April 2025, Optimist International' leadership includes:

Patsy Garner - International President (2023-2024)
Bob McFadyen - International President-Elect (2023-2024)
Benny Ellerbe - Executive Director

Investors of Optimist International

Optimist International has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Optimist International Foundation
Optimist International Canadian Children's Foundation
Membership Dues from Local Clubs and Members
Individual Donations
Corporate Sponsorships
Community Fundraising by Local Clubs

Executive New Hires/Exits in the Last 12 Months

Hire1
Exits1

Optimist International's top volunteer leadership, such as the International President, transitions annually, reflecting its democratic governance structure. These planned successions ensure fresh perspectives while maintaining organizational continuity. Changes in tenured staff leadership, like the Executive Director, are less frequent.

Departures

Bob Lium, Bob Lium completed his one-year term as International President, having led the organization through the 2022-2023 Optimist year.

New Appointments:

Patsy Garner, Patsy Garner officially began her term as International President for the 2023-2024 Optimist year, following the International Convention.
Bob McFadyen, Bob McFadyen was installed as International President-Elect for the 2023-2024 Optimist year, set to become International President in October 2024.

Technology (Tech Stack) used by Optimist International

Discover the tools Optimist International uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Optimist International Email Formats and Examples

Official communications from Optimist International headquarters staff typically use a standardized email format. Based on verified contact information, the primary format is the first initial followed by the last name.

[first_initial][last]@optimist.org

Format

bellerbe@optimist.org

Example

90%

Success rate

News and media

Optimist International Official WebsiteApril 10, 2024

Optimist International Oratorical World Championships to be Held at Saint Louis University

Optimist International announced that its 2023-2024 Oratorical World Championships will take place from July 18-20, 2024, at Saint Louis University. The event will bring together winners from Optimist Districts across the globe to compete for significant college scholarships....more

Optimist International Official WebsiteApril 1, 2024

Optimist International Calls for Nominations for Future Leadership Roles

Optimist International has issued a call for nominations for International Vice Presidents and the International President-Elect for the 2025-2026 term. This initiative encourages qualified members to step forward and contribute to the organization's governance and strategic direction....more

Adirondack Daily EnterpriseMarch 25, 2024

Lake Placid Optimist Club Champions Youth Voices in Annual Oratorical Contest

The Lake Placid Optimist Club recently hosted its annual oratorical contest, providing a platform for local students to develop public speaking skills and compete for scholarship opportunities. This event exemplifies Optimist International's mission being actively pursued at the community level....more

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