Members share experience in the education sector, and will be involved in crafting a new strategic plan.
by Martin Davis
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The Rappahannock Area YMCA has announced new members to its Board of Directors. Bound by their current and previous service in the education sector, the new board members are :
- Brandon Boles – principal of Potomac High School
- Nicole Cole – business owner and Spotsylvania County School Board Vice-Chair;
- Katryna Frith-Walker – retired Spotsylvania school teacher
- Dr. Thomas Whittle – educator, pastor, and retired army
- Kelly Guempel – Spotsylvania County Schools Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer
The board is composed of 15 total members, and their primary responsibility is to help guide the nonprofit’s strategic direction and raise support to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.
“The YMCA is a volunteer-led organization,” said Chief Executive Officer Barney Reily, “that depends on effective board leadership to deliver our mission and ensure that everyone can access our life-changing programs, regardless of ability to pay.”
The Rappahannock Area YMCA serves over 40,000 men, women, and children each year, regardless of age, income, or background according to the press release announcing the new members.
Rappahannock Area YMCA has a presence in five communities, including Caroline County, King George County, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County.
“We are incredibly excited about the talent, experience and extensive reach these five individuals bring to the table,” said Ben Wafle, Rappahannock Area YMCA Board Chair. “In conducting this search, we received several potential nominations from throughout the community, and after a thorough interview process, we found that these individuals bring a unique set of skill sets and truly epitomize the spirit of the YMCA. We are thrilled to welcome their input and contributions to the Board of Directors.”
New board member Nicole Cole told the Advance that she “looks forward to strengthening Rappahannock YMCA Board governance so that we can work with RYMCAs operational leadership on a new strategic plan for our regional YMCAs.”
She went on to celebrate the extraordinary facilities the YMCA runs in our region, but noted that “there’s a need … to increase community engagement and for socially engaging safe space events and activities ourside of school for our teens, young adults, and families. We can position our YMCAs to fill that need.”
The Board of Directors and the CEO are currently working on strategic planning to ensure the YMCA continues to provide the facilities and expanded services to serve our communities.
