Lexington, KY - Maintaining good health and fitness and balancing work and home life are qualities most of us want to achieve. For Gail Glasser, they have been her career as well. She recently moved from Houston to become President/CEO of the YMCA of Central Kentucky. The YMCA of Central Kentucky currently has a $12.6 million operating budget and employs 73 full-time and 375 part-time staff.
First Impressions of Lexington:
As a child, Glasser spent time in Henderson, Ky. with grandparents and great-grandparents. "When I first arrived in Lexington, I felt immediately comfortable. It felt like home."
Background and Experience:
Having worked for the YMCA for 14 years, Glasser came to the YMCA of Central Kentucky from Houston, where she held the title of senior vice president, Association advancement for the past six years. She was an executive director at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis from 1995-98 as well as serving in other capacities there.
Education:
Glasser holds a master's degree in counseling from Illinois State University and a law degree from St. Louis University and is a licensed member of the Missouri Bar. "It's an interesting blend," she admits. "My counseling skills give me the opportunity to be warm and caring but when I need to work out a strategic plan, I have those skills as well."
Family:
Husband Gregg, daughters Rachel (11) and Alysha (21) and son Nathan (7). Due to damage caused by Hurricane Ike in Houston, the family will be moving to Lexington in the upcoming weeks. Rachel and Nathan will start school here in January. Alysha is a college student in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Other Experience:
Glasser has served as a Girl Scout troop leader since 2005. She has been an adjunct professor at Rice University. She is an instructor at the YMCA of the USA's New CEO Institute and president of the North America YMCA Development Organization.
Initial Impressions of the Central Kentucky YMCA:
"I believe in taking the first 30 to 90 days for assessment. I am meeting with staff, volunteers and board members to figure out needs and see how best to fulfill them.
"There is a long history of good leadership here. For more than 150 years, YMCA of Central Kentucky has provided safe and caring environments, positive role models, focused on total health in spirit, mind and body and possibilities to serve the needs of others."
Strengths of Central Kentucky YMCA:
"The YMCA is currently doing really good work, especially for underserved communities. For example, the YMCA has an Early Childhood Center housed at the North Lexington Family YMCA, providing full-day care to 50 kids ranging in age from six weeks to five years.
"Our fitness, health and wellness programs are excellent, but we also offer programs such as Spanish language and guitar. This is part of our mission to serve the community."
Challenges of Central Kentucky YMCA:
"Kids today are facing all kinds of challenges. The Y has a place for them, motivating them to learn and help establish the type of adults they will become.
"There is potential to partner more with the school system. We want to engage kids on many levels including how they eat, play and exercise. Our goal is to get them started in healthy lifestyles."
"The YMCA currently has before- and after-school care programs at 23 elementary and middle schools in Fayette, Scott and Jessamine Counties. Its well-known summer camp program served 4,500 kids last year."
Motivation as a Leader:
"What makes us unique is that we are not just a fitness facility. Our mission is to offer programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. I want our staff to feel this is an experience that has a calling - - a purpose that we are committed to fulfill. I also like for us to have some fun along the way."