Community Rec Magazine: Recent Episodes
Community Rec Magazine
Each month, Brittany Howard, the editor of Community Rec Magazine, chats with a guest from the community recreation industry to voice their insights on a specific topic.
In episode 35, Steve Jobin, the president and CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA in New Jersey, shares how the Y has transformed its role from a traditional recreation provider into a catalyst for affordable housing and community health. He traces the Y’s history from its 1912 origins as a rooming house for industrial workers through a devastating 1997 fire that forced the organization to reimagine its mission. Partnering with the city, the Y helped develop and now manages a modern recreation facility with pools, gyms, an indoor track and a community theater to meet core health and wellness needs while setting the stage for deeper community impact.Over time, the board’s longstanding commitment to serving “the indigent,” combined with Jobin’s housing authority background, pushed the Y to define health more broadly through the lens of social determinants of health. Housing quality, safety, and affordability emerged as critical drivers of chronic disease and overall well-being. After clear evidence of unsafe housing, the Y began tackling policy and formed collective impact partnerships with the city, nonprofits, hospitals and faith-based organizations.Enjoy!
In episode 34, Mark Hines, the VP of sales and marketing at Paddock Pool Equipment Company, details the persistent challenge of building and operating aquatics facilities on tight budgets. Hines notes while budget pressures and shrinking government funding aren’t new in community rec, they’re intensified by the need to serve diverse user groups — from older adults wanting warm-water aerobics to kids wanting play features and potential swim teams. He dispels the misconception that meeting these needs always requires high-cost solutions, pointing to creative phasing, smart product choices and hard-to-find but still-available grants.Hines also emphasizes budgeting early and often, clearly defining non-negotiables like indoor air quality, safety flooring and long-term ROI items such as regenerative media filtration. He highlights trends in safety and the rise of stationary surf waves, a growing sub-industry in aquatics. Hines explains how Paddock Pool Equipment focuses on essential “guts” like gutters, filtration, and evacuated indoor air systems, helping protect buildings, improve user comfort and control lifecycle costs. He concludes by advocating for team-based project planning with builders, architects, and suppliers to stay on budget and aligned with core goals.Enjoy!
Eric Williams, the former executive director of the Wayman Palmer branch at the YMCA of Greater Toledo, reflects on his 31-year YMCA career across rec centers from around the country, highlighting his roots in community recreation outreach and gang intervention work. He shares how early mentors shaped his leadership and helped him launch impactful programs, including a computer access initiative for youth.Willams also traces the sector’s shift from deep, relationship-based outreach toward membership-driven models, noting while financial sustainability is necessary, outreach has suffered. He identifies funding as the biggest challenge facing nonprofit recreation centers today, with declining United Way and government dollars and intense competition among local nonprofits.Despite these pressures, Williams emphasizes listening to communities, building strong networks, mentoring young professionals, and leading with passion and genuine care as the keys to lasting impact in community recreation.Enjoy!
In episode 32, Wendy White, the chief marketing and partner officer at Daxko, details that despite the buzz around AI, there’s one thing most people aren’t talking about — AI doesn’t create insight from nothing. It learns from the data your platform has been collecting over time.So, the better and longer a platform has been tracking member behavior, program participation and payment patterns for organizations, the smarter its AI is. This episode assists nonprofit leaders with understanding what data depth actually means for AI outcomes, and what questions they should be asking their technology partners.As one of the leading voices on AI adoption in the health and wellness space, White brings both the strategic perspective and the practical expertise to make this a conversation nonprofit leaders can actually learn from.Enjoy!
Rose Levis JCC, discusses a major campus reinvention centered on a new 22,000-square-foot facility with 9,000 square feet of outdoor space, including plans for an amphitheater and playground. The project stems from a strategic property swap of the JCC’s 100-acre campus and a successful $9.4 million fundraising effort. Demolition began on April 1 and reopening is targeted for November 2026.Haberer also details the JCC’s strategic exit from traditional fitness due to local country club and gym popularity, while still maintaining a focus on wellness, culture, summer camp and preschool. He emphasizes thoughtful, data-driven planning — “ready, aim, fire” — and inclusive leadership engagement for any major capital project.Enjoy!
In episode 30, Erica Barnes, the director of business development at NinjaZone, details about challenges and opportunities facing community recreation centers. Specifically, she explains demand from families is strong, but many centers struggle to align with what they truly want — high-quality, affordable and inclusive family programming that engages all ages. She argues marketing is often blamed unfairly, and the real issues are program quality, retention and staff engagement, including continuous staff education.Barnes outlines best practices she sees among successful centers: offering kids programs that demonstrate visible progress, creating programming that genuinely appeals to children and making operations easier so staff aren’t constantly scrambling to fill schedules. She highlights a major industry trend toward non-traditional, inclusive activities serving kids who aren’t drawn to traditional sports.NinjaZone fits this shift by providing inclusive family programming plus a comprehensive support system. They tailor implementations to each center’s goals and spaces, from racquetball courts to aquatic viewing areas. Barnes’ key advice is to start thoughtfully, choose partners carefully, plan long term and avoid last-minute program launches that burden staff.Watch the podcast now for expert advice from an industry thought leader.Enjoy!
In episode 29, Andrew Page, the president and CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA shares how to cultivate a productive workforce that thrives through effective staff management strategies.In today’s fast-paced world, staffing is crucial, especially in community-focused organizations like rec centers. Page details his YMCA’s strategies for fostering a positive workplace culture and retaining dedicated employees. Whether you’re a leader in the recreation industry or looking to improve your organizational practices, this conversation will provide valuable guidance.Enjoy!
In episode 28, Nicci Bucher, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, details effective strategies to empower women leaders in community recreation. As the first woman to hold this position at her YMCA, Bucher offers valuable perspectives on developing female leadership, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, confidence and community engagement.Bucher has dedicated over 20 years to the YMCA, primarily at the YMCA of Central Florida, and has recently taken the helm at the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg. Her journey to becoming a CEO is marked by a commitment to youth development and community support. Nicci’s leadership is rooted in her belief in the potential of women to lead and make impactful contributions.Enjoy!
In episode 27, Eldad Goldfarb, the executive director of JCC of Greater Vancouver, shares how an aging 63-year-old facility sparked a bold, 13-year journey to create a self-sustaining, multi-partner community campus. Starting with a board-led vision in 2013, the JCC engaged architects, 30+ community organizations, and government relations firms to shape a project that integrates a new 200,000-square-foot JCC, expanded childcare, seniors’ services, an upgraded aquatics center, a new high school, and two 40-story rental housing towers. By emphasizing inclusivity, cross-agency collaboration, and alignment with government priorities like childcare, housing and recreation, the JCC secured major provincial and federal grants plus $200 million in community funding. The project models patience, perseverance and partnership-driven planning for large-scale community recreation developments.Enjoy!
In episode 26, Mark Williams, the chief growth officer of Arly, shares how community rec organizations can meet rising expectations despite limited resources. Williams explains that instead of defaulting to hiring more staff, leaders can gain capacity by standardizing processes, unifying data into a single system, and using automation and AI to simplify routine operational tasks.Williams stresses that AI should augment — not replace — the human relationships at the core of community rec, helping staff spend more time with kids and communities. He also describes how Arly brings logistics, registration, communication, staff support, and curriculum into one platform and is rolling out new AI features — all guided by clear program goals and a strong evidence base.Enjoy!
In episode 25 of the Community Rec Podcast, Lucria Ortiz, the CEO of YMCA Southcoast, shares her unconventional path from public defender in the Bronx of New York City, to nonprofit leadership in community recreation.She explains how her courtroom experience sharpened her commitment to service and ultimately led her into fundraising and leadership roles within the YMCA. Central to her journey is intentional mentorship — both receiving it and actively seeking mentors whose careers she admired, building what she calls a personal “board of advisors.”Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines three strategic priorities for YMCA Southcoast. Long term, she's leading a major capital campaign to renovate the New Bedford branch, honoring the organization’s legacy. For younger professionals, her advice includes believing leaders when they see potential in you, networking across the movement, staying open to relocation, and being deliberate about mentorship and growth opportunities.Enjoy!
In episode 24, Jorge Perez, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, details the upcoming 2026 Community Rec Leadership Summit in Fernandina Beach, Florida.Perez, a previous attendee and the moderator for the 2026 Summit, shares his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its value in bringing together diverse leaders to explore innovative approaches in community recreation. He emphasizes the importance of being curious, making connections across different sectors and understanding the deeper purpose of their work. The summit offers attendees an opportunity to learn from each other, share insights and develop new strategies for addressing community challenges, with a focus on moving from transactional to transformational experiences.Interested in attending the Summit on February 17-19? Contact editor John Reecer at john@peakemedia.com.
In episode 23 of the Community Magazine Podcast, Christina Bragg the vice president of marketing and communications at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, discusses the organization’s remarkable response to the devastating January fires that destroyed the Palisades Malibu YMCA branch. Despite losing their facility, the YMCA quickly mobilized its centers as support hubs, providing essential resources and becoming distribution points for over 30,000 volunteers who helped the community recover.The organization is now moving forward with an innovative dual-campus model, including rebuilding on the original Via de la Paz location and expanding a community center at Simon Meadow, demonstrating their commitment to serving the community. Supported by local officials and driven by a mission to support community members through every stage of life, the YMCA has transformed a moment of crisis into an opportunity for renewal and continued connection.Enjoy!
In episode 22 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Rick Gorab, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, discusses how his organization exceeded its largest fundraising goal in 140 years by building a culture of philanthropy. The successful fundraising came through organizational commitment, bold goal-setting, creative themed campaigns and structured accountability measures across all six branches.Enjoy!
In episode 21 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Supplier Voice edition, Emily Kelly, the national accounts manager at Bloomerang, details challenges faced by community rec centers in serving diverse populations.She also shares how Bloomerang, a nonprofit software company, can help these organizations improve their engagement, communication and fundraising efforts.Enjoy!
In episode 20 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Todd Tibbits, the president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, discusses an exciting new partnership between his Y and YMCA Mexico — the Cali-Baja Binational Initiative.This first-of-its-kind partnership aims to unify the San Diego and Tijuana regions by creating a shared advisory board, hiring a binational engagement director, and exchanging expertise in areas like marketing, philanthropy and leadership development.Enjoy!
In episode 19 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Supplier Voice edition, Carter Collins, the owner and operator of IFTA (International Fitness Trainers Association), discusses fitness certification and training in the community recreation industry. Carter explains how IFTA provides affordable and accessible fitness certifications, with a unique approach that includes online and in-person training options. IFTA serves various organizations — including YMCAs — and offers certifications across the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on keeping costs low while maintaining high-quality educational standards.Enjoy!
In Episode 17 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Sarah McCutcheon, the disability inclusion director at the JCC Milwaukee, and Lisa Jamila Wuerth, the assistant director of community day programs at the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, detail the JCC’s Wellness 360 program.Specifically, the duo shares how the program is designed for adults with disabilities to learn skills and habits that build independence. Offered in partnership with the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, participants work on wellness skills like independent exercise, mindfulness, hygiene, and practical skills like money handling, paying bills and more.Enjoy!
In episode 18 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Peter DeGregorio, the CFO of the YMCA of Delaware, provides his takeaways for diversifying funding at rec centers during uncertain financial times.The YMCA of Delaware focuses on public and private funding, program areas like health and wellness, child care, and youth enrichment, and demographic and location diversity. Innovative strategies include private grants and multi-partnerships, such as a real estate development project in downtown Wilmington. DeGregorio emphasizes the importance of a common vision, community engagement, and focusing on mission delivery to secure funding.Enjoy!
In Episode 16 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Jessica Hendrix, the vice president of operations at the YMCA of Western North Carolina, details how her organization has rebounded from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene in late 2024 and how her Y is leading in times of hardship.Specifically, she details how the Black Mountain YMCA branch recently reopened this winter after being closed due to extensive damaged from the hurricane. Hendrix also shares how the community in Asheville, North Carolina, was able to pull together to overcome the tragedy, and what the YMCA did to help its members.Finally, Hendrix provides crucial advice for industry leaders on to handle community tragedies and how recreation centers can be beacons of hope.Enjoy!
In Episode 15 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Tony Collins, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Ohio, details the recent strides his organization has made in helping to solve the local housing crisis. Collins also shares his experience partnering with community leaders and other ways his YMCA is being a force for good in the area.Enjoy!
In Episode 14 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, AJ Hernandez, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, details his innovative leadership strategies. Hernandez also shares his experience from recently arriving at the Y after formerly being the CEO at the YMCA of Wichita Falls.Enjoy!
In Episode 11 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Terri Arends, the group fitness and wellness director at the Aaron Family JCC of Dallas, details how her JCC is helping to improve the overall well-being of all members. As an expert in this field, Arends provides advice on effective programming strategies, details trends in the industry and more.Enjoy!
In Episode 10 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Jon Kidwell, the founder and leader of The Kidwell Team, shares about the 2024 Community Rec Leadership Summit. As the moderator of the summit, Kidwell discusses what attendees can expect, roundtable topics, what he's most looking forward to and more.Enjoy!
In this episode of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Editor Brittany Howard sat down with Jeff Na, the vice president of Fitness Network Management at American Specialty Health, to discuss fostering community through programs and services.
In Episode 8 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Wesley King, the owner and founder of Wesley King Consulting, shares about his passion for providing aquatics safety and service support. We discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the aquatics industry forever, and advice for aquatics professionals on navigating the daily grind while staying motivated, and also remembering to rest. It was a lot to cover, and it’s all below in our video interview featuring a special guest appearance. Enjoy!
In Episode 7 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Mariella Canady-Towns, the chief philanthropy officer (CPO) at the YMCA of Central New York, joined to discuss all things philanthropy — from her start in the industry, fundraising experiences and how the Y has reached 63% of its annual giving goal so far. During the conversation, Canady-Towns also shared her advice for future CPOs including how to create a philanthropy playbook for success.
The 2023 Community Rec Leadership Summit brought together leaders from across the community recreation industry to discuss a series of pressing topics through roundtable discussions. In this virtual discussion, sponsored by BellXcel, attendees from the Leadership Summit highlight the big ideas and top takeaways discussed during the event.Panelists include:-Sabrina Smeltz, CEO, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club-Anthony Walters, President & CEO, YMCA of South Hampton Roads-Mike Brown, President & CEO, YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth-Jak Teel, Director, Cottonwood Parks & Recreation-Gary Bernstein, CEO, Jewish Community Alliance of Northeastern Pennsylvania
In Episode 6 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Justin Dominick, the senior director of fitness at the JCC of Greater Baltimore, joined to share his insights on changing the narrative about working out to belonging to a community, the impact on well-being and how others can start creating a fitness community in their centers.
In Episode 5 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, leaders of the Eugene Family YMCA — CEO Brian Steffen and chief development officer Danielle Uhlhorn — share about the Y’s $48 million project, including gaining community support, features of the project, and more.
In Episode 4 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Brandon Davis, the senior director of brand strategy and marketing at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, shares about the Y’s new playful membership campaign, "You Already Belong." We discuss his journey to the Chicago Y, working with president and CEO Dorri McWhorter, his passion for all things marketing and dive into the new campaign in the areas of brand approach centered around play, fun personas, signage placement, and much more.
In the first Community Voices Roundtable installment of 2023, three leaders from the community recreation industry dive into a new year with takeaways from 2022, what’s changing in 2023 and advice on membership, staffing, programming, and much more.The panel includes:-Audrey Edwards, health, fitness and wellness director at the Boston JCC-Santiago Prada, senior executive of membership and wellness at the YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas-Efrain Gonzales, executive director at the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap CountiesIncluded in this conversation:-Recapping lessons learned and victories from 2022.-How New Year promotions are going, including promotions offered.-Membership models for 2023: What’s changing, price increases and what’s included in an inclusive model.-The state of staffing and tips for hiring: Referral incentives, aquatics and full-time versus part-time struggles.-Creating a collaborative culture among departments, and among members.-What trends over the last few years will continue including pickleball, virtual and age-specific programming.-Fitness equipment usage changes and the demand for data and tracking.-Teen programming: Should you offer specific programs or not.
In Episode 3 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Raychel Reilly, the chief health and wellness officer at the Kaplen JCC on the Palisades, shares her own health and wellness journey, including the career move she made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She also discusses how health and wellness trends have changed over the last few years and what to keep an eye on in 2023.
In Episode 2 of the Community Rec Podcast, Keith Vinson, the vice president of operations and Rodrigua Ross, the vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, talk about moderating the 2023 Community Rec Leadership Summit, their contagious energy and the Causenetic Podcast.
In this episode of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Rico Francis, the president and co-founder of Peake Media, sits down with Khyra MacMillan, the account strategy and services manager at Daxko. They chat about how MacMillan went from marine biologist dreams to working with Daxko, SEO and Google Ad Grants, and what lies ahead for Daxko.
Courtney Harrness, the CEO of the Attleboro Norton YMCA, talks about his new role as CEO, establishing and growing partnerships, philanthropy and family.