By Andrea Rosenbaum
Director of Advancement     

      It’s hard to believe that Independence Day is already upon us, but it only takes a quick walk outside to know we’re in the dog days of summer. As we embrace the organized chaos of summer at the Pullum Family Y, I’d like to share with you some of the exciting things on the horizon.

      We’re thrilled to announce that Dottie Thomas has accepted the promotion to Associate Branch Director on a permanent basis, effective July 1. Dottie has capably served as our Operations Director over the past several weeks as we’ve transitioned to a new staff leadership structure, and the board and Metro staff of our Y believe she’s ready to expand that role.

      As Associate Director, she will be responsible for overseeing daily branch operations and leading all departments. I will continue to provide broad supervision for the branch and lead areas such as budget accountability, risk management, board development and fundraising. Dottie and I will be working closely together on operational issues. As part of this new position, Dottie will continue to provide leadership in branch wellness and fitness programs, including providing fitness assessments, overseeing group fitness, and leading wellness incentive programs.

      We are also currently recruiting for a fulltime Program Director, which we believe our Y desperately needs. This staff member will be responsible for all youth sports, aquatics and other family programs and events as needed. Our goal is to have this person on board as quickly as possible. Program Director Mark Baker from our Northeast Branch will assist with recruiting and training, especially with our rapidly approaching fall soccer season.

      You may also notice some moving in action at our branch. Dottie will remain in her current office, but the Child Care leadership staff will be moving into the former branch director office. This will give our growing child care programs much-needed room to plan and organize afterschool child care, day camp, preschool, KidZone and other efforts. Our new Program Director will have the office that has been shared by sports and child care.

      Members also may have noticed the new storage unit outside the gym door. For some time now, we have been “space challenged” at the Pullum Y as our equipment supplies have grown. We will be working over the coming month to appropriately organize outdoor storage and indoor storage to provide a cleaner, safer building and a more efficient use of space. We are also planning additional seating (tables, chairs and benches) inside the branch, better signage and more informative bulletin board displays.

      Change always presents challenges, but the staff and board of our Y feel these are all efforts in the right direction for the Pullum family. We appreciate your patience as we move through this transition time and look forward with great anticipation at what the coming months hold.

Email Andrea Rosenbaum.