(Rockwall) November 11, 2012 – Bonnie LaVielle, a 22-year veteran with the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, will take on the role of Executive Director of the Rockwall Family YMCA beginning Monday, December 10.
LaVielle spent 18 years in operations at the Park Cities Family YMCA, followed by three years as Associate Vice President of Financial Development for the Fort Worth YMCA. She embraces the YMCA’s mission of putting Christian values into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
“For me, the Y has become much more than just a place to work; it’s been a place for my family to take gymnastics lessons and play sports – a home away from home where my family loves to be,” LaVielle said. “Active older adults can come and hang out, and parents can bring their young children and feel comfortable about leaving them in a safe environment while they work out. I love that the Y is for everyone.”
As Executive Director, LaVielle will assess the needs of the Rockwall community and determine how the Y can help fill those needs.
“I will try to determine what it is we are doing really well and what we may need to spend more time developing. I want to ensure we are delivering programs that are relevant to our participants and members, and that we are actively growing those programs. The Rockwall Y has a rich history of providing great programs with a staff that has longevity – and I want to continue that legacy,” she said.
Jayson Killough, Vice President of Operations with the Russell Creek Family YMCA, has been serving as Interim Director in Rockwall since August. Killough said that although LaVielle isn’t officially on board until December 10, she is already out in the community and attending Y events locally. He thanked search committee members Brian Williams, Larry Parks, Brett Packer and Jon Bailey for working diligently to fill the position with such an enthusiastic and qualified leader.
“We are very excited to welcome Bonnie, and we look forward to an amazing year ahead. Bonnie will be helping kick off our Annual Partners Campaign in January,” Killough said.
The annual campaign’s fundraising goal is $150,000, which will provide financial assistance to families that cannot otherwise afford to take advantage of the Y’s programs and services.
“To these families, the Y is more than just a gym, a pool, or a place for fitness. YMCA members experience a sense of belonging that can’t be found anywhere else,” LaVielle said. “Y programs encourage children to reach their full potential and allow families to grow stronger.”
For LaVielle, being part of the YMCA family has another meaning, too.
“I am one of five sisters that have all worked for the YMCA,” she said. “I think one of the craziest things that happened was when my sister Becky went into labor at the Y.”
LaVielle lives in Garland with her husband, Bill, a school teacher. They enjoy welcoming their seven grandchildren for Friday night sleepovers, when they “roll out the sleeping bags, stay up late, and all rules go out the window!”
LaVielle added that she and husband are considering moving to Rockwall. The city’s small town charm, excellent school system, city government and churches are what drew her to the position at the Rockwall Y.
“I wanted to be part of a YMCA that is in a thriving community and has such community support,” she said.
The Rockwall YMCA is located at 1210 N. Goliadin Rockwall. To learn more, visit rockwallymca.org or call 972-722-9622.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News, all rights reserved.
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