The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) has announced the addition of five new members to its Association Board of Directors. Katie Angstadt, Brandy Smith, John Walker, Tia Wilson, and John Young join more than 30 returning board members, led by Board Chair Dr. Scott Heinerichs.  

The new board members bring diverse expertise from prominent organizations such as Comcast and Lincoln Financial, enriching the strategic direction of YGBW. Returning board members equally have a diverse array of professions within organizations such as Main Line Health, the Chester County Health Department and Lincoln University, among many others.  

“Many people may not realize the broad range of expertise required to run our organization, locations and programs,” said Bertram L. Lawson II, YGBW president and CEO. “While most associate YGBW with Aquatics, Youth Sports, and Fitness, our team’s expertise extends into many other complex fields of business. Having an engaged, diverse and robust Board of Directors that bring their abilities, network and willingness to advance our mission as partners is essential to our success.” 

YGBW employs over 1,600 individuals annually, including program specialists, operations leaders, teachers, board-certified behavior specialists, lifeguards, camp counselors, IT professionals, marketers, HR specialists, nationally accredited wellness staff, finance professionals, facilities professionals and more. 

“It is crucial for the members of our Board of Directors to bring varied knowledge and experience to support our organization as we work toward achieving an ambitious set of strategic goals for 2025. I am honored that these talented individuals have committed to volunteering their time, talent and resources on our board,” Lawson added. 

Enhancing Public Health  

As YGBW continues to expand to meet the growing needs of the Chester County community, the organization has prioritized initiatives to improve local public health. Earlier this year, YGBW celebrated the launch of the Fit Truk, a mobile wellness hub designed to deliver health services to underserved areas throughout the county.  

In the coming months, YGBW plans to roll out several Evidence-Based Health Interventions, including Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring, Healthy Weight and Your Child and Walk with Ease. These programs will complement existing offerings, such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free 12-week intervention program for cancer survivors, which includes a complimentary YGBW membership for participants to use during the program. 

In addition to Public Health initiatives, YGBW’s Senior Leadership Team, in partnership with its Board of Directors, will guide the organization to achieve strategic goals focused on strengthening communities, ensuring access for all and remaining an employer of choice in Chester County.