Board of Directors
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Matthew Longtin, YMCA Board President
Attorney
"I volunteer at the Y because I love that Y programming is so important to every walk of life. Everybody is included and nobody is turned away. Spend some time in our lobby and watch the diversity of people come and go and how important what we offer is to them and their families. The Y increases people’s quality of life – plain and simple."
Jackie Mikalonis, YMCA Board Secretary
Community & Economic Development Consultant
"I volunteer to keep the organization strong, effective and responsive to the community’s health and economic needs. The Y provides a vast array of tools designed to improve the health and well-being of everyone. It is affordable, accessible and fun. It puts the community first.”
Chip Radebaugh, YMCA Board Treasurer
Evans, Elder, Brown & Seubert
"I grew up at the Eugene Y, going to summer camps and playing in the gym and pool. As a young adult, I spent time at the Y seeking a healthy outlet for my spare time. Our Y is special because of the people who pour their heart and soul into creating a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment for everyone who walks through the doors."
Joe Carmichael
Oregon Pacific Bank
"I volunteer at the Y because I have deep family connections to the Y and understand the power of our YMCA in this community. My grandparents joined the Eugene Y in1955. My grandmother, Ingrid, helped raise capital funds to construct the current Y facility at 2055 Patterson St and served on the Y board for 10 years."
Paula Ciesielski, M.D.
Physician (retired)
“I love our Y family and I believe the new building will provide better physical access for those with disabilities, be a reliable resource during disasters, 5 times the current parking and so many new ways to bring us together as a community."
Richard Clark
University of Oregon (retired)
Barbara Jacobs
School Administrator (retired)
"I volunteer at the YMCA because I believe in helping people and because the Y has provided important services to me, my family and my community. My hopes and dreams for the new Y are that it will continue to expand the availability of health and wellness programs. The need for these social and physical programs will increase as the population and cultural diversity of Eugene and Springfield expand.”
Sally McCoy
Marketing Professional (retired)
“I volunteer at the Y because it does more for folks in the community than any other agency. All ages are served. Best of all, the staff is the heart of the Y: Friendly, welcoming and professional.”
Katie Gatlin
University of Oregon
"I volunteer at the Y because I believe so much in the impact it makes in our community. The new Y means that when staff members identify needs in our community, there will be the space for more collaborations."
Bill Service
Entrepreneur
"I grew up at the Eugene Family YMCA, attending afterschool and summer camp programs. As a teenager, one of my first jobs was at the Y's Welcome Center. Our community without the YMCA is unfathomable. We need the continuity and the breadth and depth of innovative programming for the future and we can't do it in the current building."
Steve Thoennes
Arctera
"I invest my time in the Y because I believe deeply in the need the Y fulfills and the positive impact we are able to make. The Eugene YMCA is a melting pot in our community across social, economic and diverse backgrounds. The Y connects us."
Clarke Wallin
ICL of Oregon
"I joined the Y in 1970 and have been an active member ever since. Both of my children learned to swim and play tennis at the Y. One thing that is so special about our Y is that it provides programs, services, and classes for all ages groups. I am especially impressed with our youth development, terrific programs, and outstanding staff.”
Kendra Goldberg
Just Move Fitness
“I jumped at the opportunity to serve on the Y board. The success of the community phase showcases the strength of the Y staff. It is an honor to work with an incredible team as we look to the future of a building filled with innovative programs and health partnerships.”
Sean Ritchie
Sapient Private Wealth Management
“I’ve always admired how the Y helps encourage, support and raise our community’s youth—through its youth sports, afterschool and summer camp programs. It is an honor to be a part of this caring, positive organization.”
President's Advisory Council
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Matthew Longtin
Eugene Family YMCA Board President
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has supported and impacted me at several points throughout my life, from my childhood in Roseburg to law school and then my career here in Eugene. I believe my background and experience is helpful at the Y because my work as a family law attorney and mediator provides me with insight into the needs of local families and the importance of accessible community resources."
Jeff Butler
Retired Facilities Director
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because joining the Y in 2017 helped me feel grounded in a new community. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my years in facility management at the University of Oregon and Montana State University give me a practical understanding of how large community spaces operate and why they matter for helping people build meaningful connections."
Abigail "Abi" Conover
IDD Advocate
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because I care deeply about creating inclusive spaces for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my leadership with Best Buddies Eugene Citizens has strengthened my understanding of community-building and how supportive environments like the Y open doors for belonging."
Ibrahim Coulibaly
Civil Rights & Community Activist
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because promoting equity and wellbeing has been central to my work and values. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my civil rights work and experience in community advocacy offer perspective on how organizations can foster inclusion and uplift people from diverse backgrounds."
Alma Hesus
CEO of United Way
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because I believe welcoming, accessible spaces are essential for a healthy community. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my role as CEO of United Way gives me a broad understanding of community needs, youth opportunity, and the partnerships that strengthen families."
Paul Hoobyar
Retired Community Member
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has been a constant thread in my life since childhood. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my long involvement in community service and familiarity with Y culture allow me to support programs that foster connection and long-term impact."
Keith McConnell
Tennis & Pickleball Champion
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has been central to my wellness and social life for years. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my work as a psychologist and instructor in higher education, combined with long-term involvement at the Tennis and Pickleball Center, helps me support programs that encourage movement, connection, and community health."
Laurie Melendy
Educator & Leader
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has always felt like a welcoming space to me. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my career as an educator and public school leader, coupled with my lifelong involvement with Y programs informs my understanding of how youth, families, and communities benefit from accessible and supportive programming."
Miriam Mickleson
Eugene 4J School District Superintendent
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because strong communities depend on shared leadership and opportunities for young people. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my work as Superintendent of Eugene School District 4J gives me insight into equitable youth development and partnerships that lift up families."
Todd Miller
South Lane School District Superintendent
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y plays a vital role in serving rural families. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my experience as Superintendent of South Lane School District has connected me with the needs in rural Lane County, and has taught me the value of collaboration in expanding opportunities for young people."
Miyoko Patricelli
University of Oregon Communication Disorders and Sciences Faculty
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y shaped my childhood and continues to support my family today. I feel that my background and insights as a member of the Communication Disorders and Sciences Faculty at UO can be helpful for the Y, particularly through my work serving individuals with disabilities/disabled persons and the perspective it provides on fostering effective teamwork in serving diverse communities and building accessible, inclusive, and collaborative spaces."
Kraig Sproles
Bethel School District Superintendent
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because I’ve seen how the Y strengthens youth development and community wellbeing, creating space for joy and flourishing. As Superintendent of the Bethel School District, I share this commitment to fostering belonging and responding to our community’s needs."
Joe Waltasti
PeaceHealth Director of Communications & Marketing
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has been invaluable to my family’s routine and wellbeing. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my work in marketing and communications at PeaceHealth strengthens my understanding of community outreach and accessible health messaging."
Chelsea Whitney
Public Health Professional & Y Childcare Family
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has supported my daughter through many stages of growth. I feel as if my background and insights as a career professional with Lane County Public Health can be helpful for the Y because, as a nurse, I understand the importance of accessible movement, wellness resources, and supportive environments."
Lily Yao
Graduating Senior from SEHS and Lifelong Y Member
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because I grew up at the Y and gained opportunities that shaped my leadership. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my experience in Youth and Government and statewide civic engagement shows me how youth programs can inspire confidence and long-term community involvement."
Bernadette Yap-Sam
Retired Government Employee and Y Champion
"I volunteer with the President’s Advisory Council because the Y has supported my family for decades and remains an important part of my life. I feel as if my background and insights can be helpful for the Y because my long membership gives me a clear sense of what family's value and how community connection develops."
Vision
The Eugene Family YMCA is a diverse e organization of people joined together by a shared commitment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Moreover, the Y, at its core, is focused on being a welcoming organization that is both attuned to the needs of the communities it serves and committed to innovating in ways to meet evolving needs. At the Y we acknowledge that the diversity of ideas and insights within our Y will never be as rich as exists across the communities we serve. We are committed to seeking out ideas and insights from a diverse group of community voices and sharing these insights with the highest positions of stewardship within our Y – the Board President and CEO. To these ends, the Eugene Y has created the President’s Advisory Council.
The Council is focused on helping our Y enhance our understanding, deepen our relationships, and broaden our impact in the areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
The President’s Advisory Council has no financial, policy, procedural, compliance, programming, or employment oversight, expectations, responsibilities, or privileges.
Structure
The Council shall be comprised of 10-20 community members, along with the Y’s Board President and CEO, the Board President presides at Council meetings. While any individual may be nominated to serve on the Council, it is acknowledged that YUSA’s Dimensions of Diversity Wheel is a core tool when considering community stakeholders to seat on the Council. The Diversity Wheel is an evolving framework that illustrates some of the dimensions of diversity and the importance of understanding the intersectionality across various dimensions that informs an individual’s identity and experiences.
Council members are nominated by Board members or the CEO. Members are seated by board motions.
In order to ensure representation of critical sectors of the Y’s services six (6) dedicated Council seats are restricted for representation by recommendation by the YMCA’s senior staff leaders who have expertise and insights into highly engaged and active Y members; members who exemplify the Y’s Core Values (Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility) and alignment with the “Y Voice” (Welcoming, Genuine, Determined, Hopeful, and Nurturing). When making recommendations, the Y’s senior staff leaders will also seek to have broad representation of the Y’s programs and services.
In order to ensure representation from essential partners four (4) dedicated Council seats are restricted for representation of the following:
- PeaceHealth
- 4J
- Bethel School District
- South Lane School District
Service on the Council is intentionally less formal than service on the Board. Therefore, there are no set periods of time to seat new members. However, to ensure an evolving list of viewpoints on the Council, no member may serve longer than three years. At a minimum, the Council meets every 4 – 6 months.
Responsibilities
- Provide input, counsel, and feedback on the Y's strategic plan.
- Provide insights, counsel, and input relative to areas of their particular background and expertise.
- Share insight and understanding through regularly participating in Counsel meetings to learn about the Y’s programs, partnerships, challenges, and opportunities.
- Regularly review the Y’s programs in order to recommend any adjustments or modifications for the Y’s Program Directors to consider.
- Evaluate opportunities to work with outside organizations that may help the Y achieve its goals.
- Help highlight areas where the Y is succeeding so these strengths do not get forgotten or abandoned as new opportunities or strategies are undertaken.
- Serve as a champion and advocate for the Y in the communities we serve.
Objectives
• Create a team of thought leaders with insight and understanding for an increased breadth and depth of counsel for the Y’s most senior stewards – the Board President and CEO.
• Provide a lower-barrier opportunity for engagement with the Y’s senior stewards than might exist by only having positions for community volunteers to engage with the Y through service on the Board.
• Invite more leaders into discussions related to the strategic services of the Y. This will elevate the understanding of more Y leaders and invite as much diversity of discussion as possible.
• Foster a broader group of, highly informed, YMCA community champions and advocates.
