Board of Directors

A Message from Our Board President

Dear Franklin County’s YMCA Community,

It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the Board of Directors of Franklin County’s YMCA.

My relationship with the YMCA began when I moved to Franklin County in 1983, and I have been a proud member ever since. Over the years, I have served three consecutive nine-year terms on the Board of Directors, including two years as Board President. Throughout much of my tenure, I have also been actively involved with our Capital and Development Committees. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the YMCA’s history, its impact on our community, and the dedicated individuals who have helped shape the organization into what it is today.

I have had the privilege of working alongside former YMCA leaders Bob Sunderland and Grady Vigneau, and I am excited about the next chapter of our organization under the leadership of our Chief Executive Officer, Wesley Jackson.

Following a comprehensive CEO search led by Joe Viadero, Wesley joined Franklin County’s YMCA in February 2026. Through my interactions with him, I have been impressed by his leadership, vision, and commitment to strengthening our YMCA. I am confident he will have a lasting, positive impact on our organization and the communities we serve.

As Board President, my goal is to provide Wesley, our Board, and our dedicated staff with the leadership, support, and institutional knowledge needed to build upon our YMCA’s proud history while embracing new ideas, programs, and opportunities for growth.

We are already making meaningful progress.

Our YMCA is nearing completion of a multi-year HVAC modernization project that will provide more efficient, centrally controlled heating and air-conditioning systems throughout our facility. We have also made substantial improvements at Camp Apex, with additional enhancements planned for this fall, including work to improve the lodge’s comfort and capacity.

Looking ahead, we are working with civil engineers to prepare the church lot for an exciting future project anticipated for fall 2027. We look forward to sharing more information as those plans develop. While these facility improvements are important, they represent only one part of what makes our YMCA special.

Franklin County’s YMCA has always been much more than a gym. We are a place where children can learn and grow, families can connect, individuals can improve their health and well-being, and people of all ages can find a welcoming and supportive community.

Through our youth development programs, health and wellness opportunities, and commitment to serving individuals and families, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who walk through our doors.

Equally important is our commitment to ensuring that financial circumstances do not prevent individuals and families from experiencing the benefits of the YMCA. Through the generosity of our members, donors, businesses, and community partners, fundraising initiatives such as our Annual Campaign and Kids to Camp Golf Tournament help provide financial assistance to those who need it most.

This commitment to accessibility and community service remains central to who we are and what we stand for.

I am particularly encouraged by the collaboration taking place among our Board of Directors, Wesley, and our dedicated professional staff. Together, we are reviewing our operations, evaluating our programs, strengthening our facilities, and identifying opportunities to better serve Franklin County.

Our shared vision is to honor the YMCA’s history while positioning the organization for a strong and sustainable future.

I believe the years ahead hold tremendous promise for Franklin County’s YMCA. With thoughtful leadership, continued community support, and a shared commitment to our mission, we will continue building an organization that serves individuals and families for generations to come.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to our members, donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners for your continued commitment to Franklin County’s YMCA.

We are grateful for your support, proud to serve this community, and excited about all that we will accomplish together.

Respectfully,

John Cormican
President, Board of Directors
Franklin County’s YMCA