Scott Grzesiak
Executive Director
Scott Grzesiak was born in Chicago, IL and has worked directly with youth for over a decade. Starting as a camp counselor in 1999, he served as a volunteer in several capacities for Sunshine Gospel Ministries (within the housing projects of Cabrini Green, Chicago, IL). Working under of the leadership of Larry Butterfield, Scott co-lead the creation of SLAM, a high-energy, engaging sports and team-building outreach program for at-risk teens. At SLAM, Scott walked “life-on-life” with teens for several years as a coach mentor. Soon thereafter, he took the role as the Mentorship Director – recruiting and training up more adult mentors. During his years of volunteer service, Scott worked in the business world for over 13 years with a diverse background in international sales, marketing, project management, and financial analysis.
Scott completed his MBA from the University of Chicago in 2003, and left the Strategy and Business Development Group with PepsiCo in June 2004 to launch GRIP Outreach For Youth as an independent non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Scott and his wife, Jenny, are currently active members of Harvest Bible Chapel’s Wicker Park Campus, Chicago, IL
Getting to know Scott
Role at GRIP: Executive Director
Email: scott@gripyouth.com
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Family: My wife Jenny, daughter Kaiya, and son Josiah
Church: Harvest Bible Chapel, Wicker Park, Chicago, IL
Fondest Memory: Accepting Jesus into my life; Getting married to my beautiful wife
Proudest Moment: Witnessing the birth of my children
Wildest Dream: Our SLAM kids growing into amazing leaders for Christ; resulting in transformed families, communities, cities, and nations
Biggest Challenge: Doing it God's way
Perfect Day: Pancakes and coffee! with my kids in the morning; family time in the afternoon playing Settlers of Catan; and watching a movie while snuggling on the couch with my wife in the evening
First Job: Bus boy
Favorite Food: Filet Mignon, sushi, wife’s latest creation
Favorite Movie: Jerry McGuire, Glory, Braveheart
Favorite Song: The Revelation Song
Favorite Spot: Any beach on Hawaii
Inspiration: Momma G
Favorite Scripture: Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."