header
 
Home |  Membership |  Branches |  Programs |  Special Events |  Get Involved |  Resources |  About Us
 
 


By Tim Dunsford Tim Dunsford
District Executive           

      Now that I am settled in just enough to get the walls painted in FSU colors and meet quite a few members, I’d like to share a little more about myself. I have been married for 15 years and have two active children, Rachel, 14, and Jace, 9. My full-time employment with YMCAs for the past 17 years has taken me to four other associations around the Southeast, then I landed in Pensacola to spend the last nine years with the YMCA of Northwest Florida.    

      I want to send a “thank you” to everyone for being welcoming of my presence in the branch, especially coming to my office or stopping whenever you see me. I enjoy creating opportunities to meet with people, and I appreciate everyone who joined us on our recent Member Appreciation Day. Keep a lookout for more similar events in the future to continue the meet-and-greet process.

      The Downtown Branch, as opposed to our Northeast and Myrtle Grove locations that I previously supervised, is quite a different environment. I am used to job that is 95% dealing with kids, and now I am 95% dealing with adults. In all the branches, my general philosophy is the same:

      The Y belongs to the members; they determine what the YMCA is as far as membership and programs.  If you would like to make a suggestion that could improve our operations, please send them my way.

      On the horizon for the Downtown Branch, we have several upgrades and advancements developing. The first is the creation of a Branch Advisory Board, with the purpose of giving members a voice. An Advisory board member will be sitting in on the Metro board meetings to serve as a liaison between membership and the Board of Directors. We are also investigating the replacement of cardio equipment in the fitness center and replacement of the breezeway connecting the main building to the Spinning room/racquetball court.

      We are saddened by another change, the resignation of Fitness/Aquatics Director, Erin Fergus, who would have celebrated her third anniversary with us in August. Her last full day will be July 23, but she will still be connected with the YMCA as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer. Erin has been a wonderful and enthusiastic team member, and we are proud to know that she will be pursuing another master’s, this time in journalism, to chase her dream of being a fitness writer.   

      Lastly, I want to give another “THANK YOU” to everyone who campaigned for and supported our annual Partner with Youth campaign. We are excited that this year, the funds raised within the Downtown Branch are being used to directly support our YMCA mission and programs and instead of being spread among the branches in our association.

      Remember, all the staff members and I am here for you, so feel free to continue to give us your comments and suggestions. Sometimes the greatest ideas come from the members, and we will do our best to implement them when feasible. If we haven’t had a chance to personally meet, you can stop by for a visit any time my door is open. I look forward to continuing to provide the best possible YMCA experience for all members. 

Email Tim Dunsford.