Who We Are-Staff

Administrative Team

Our administrative team has considerable experience in youth services and development including vocational counseling, teaching, crisis response, recreation and administration. YEI is a respected community based organization and the administrative team is “Committed to Expanding Opportunities for Youth.”

With nearly 40 individuals in the organization with extensive experience in youth services, employment training, education and child and family development, YEI is prepared to serve the youth in the Portland community. YEI staff have been successful in placing thousands of youth in subsidized work experiences, helping them complete basic employment readiness training, and assisting them obtain both high school and general education diplomas. YEI has continually delivered high quality services to youth and understands the uniqueness of each individual in our programs.

The Youth Employment Institute works hard to ensure that employees are constantly kept up to date on the latest training, education and industry standards that will benefit the youth we serve.

Bennie Boggan, Executive Director

Bennie has nearly 20 years experience in youth services and has served as the Executive Director of the Youth Employment Institute since 1985. His youth service experience is varied and includes work force development, teaching, coaching, nonprofit management, crisis management and social work.

Prior to his current position, Bennie was a teacher in both public school and alternative school settings, a program manager and a Kellogg Fellow. Since becoming Executive Director of the Youth Employment Institute he has become an Advisory Board member for Casey Family Programs (1995), a member of the Board of Directors (1997) and a Mayor's Task Force Member (1993).

Bennie is instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans and objectives, integrating new business opportunities and financial analysis and reporting.

Bennie earned his BA in Education from Western Michigan University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management for Portland State University.

Greg Supriano, Deputy Director

Greg has a balance of experience in youth programming and nonprofit administration. He has been a teacher, counselor, and program director in public schools and private non-profit alternative schools. Immediately prior to joining the Youth Employment Institute, he launched an after-school enrichment program for teenagers that focused on educational, vocational, health/fitness, and case management activities. His administrative experience includes financial management/fund development, human resources, and strategic planning.

Greg holds a Bachelors degree from University of California, Berkeley and a Masters from Harvard Divinity School. He is also a graduate of the Community Development Institute’s Professional Development for Consultants, with a focus on grass roots organizations in communities of color.