The McGaw YMCA, a cause-driven, charitable organization at the heart of Evanston, announced the election of five new members to its board of directors at its 136th Annual Meeting, which was held virtually Sept. 13.
Coming from housing, banking, legal, community organizing and facilities/engineering backgrounds, the new board members bring years of collective experience and leadership in Evanston to help McGaw address the community’s most pressing needs.
The following new board members were elected to serve the association for a three-year term:
- Michael Cornell
- Curt Hansen
- Katherine Heid
- Sebastian Nalls
- Ryan Ollie
Detailed biographies can be found on the McGaw YMCA website.
“McGaw YMCA has endured, adapted and poured into our community since the start of COVID,” Monique Parsons, President and CEO of McGaw YMCA, said at the annual meeting. “And most importantly, we never compromised on safety and the well-being of our staff and our members,” she added.
“We are emerging from this phase in the pandemic focused on doing even more for Evanston as we also commit to our work of becoming an anti-racist, multicultural organization where everyone belongs,” Parsons said.
Parsons expressed her gratitude to McGaw YMCA’s members, staff, donors, community partners and the board for their support and commitment since the pandemic began.
Newly elected Board Chair Janine Hill said the newest board members bring an additional layer of unique perspectives from Evanston’s diverse and vibrant community.
“I’m very excited to work with our newest cohort of Board members, who bring operations, legal, facilities and civic engagement experience and will help us continue to move through the pandemic successfully,” Hill said.
Several board members were re-elected, including Marjorie Rallins and Vince Sweeney to serve three-year terms, and Carey Bartell and Marcus Campbell to serve one-year terms.
Thanks to outgoing members
The board also thanked its retiring board members: Theresa Collins, Bob Corbett, Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors, Lynn Ryan, Brian Scott and Matt Walsh. Walsh just concluded his term as Board Chair.
“This has not been an easy year for any in our community. I am so grateful to have worked with this group of board members side by side. They rose to the challenge and helped us continue to fulfill our mission and serve those most in need,” Hill said. “I’d like to extend a special thanks to Matt Walsh, whose steady, thoughtful hand led us well as chair.”
Source: McGaw YMCA