A nonprofit executive with a heart for strengthening the community has been named CEO of the Portage Township YMCA. The Board of Directors for the Portage Township YMCA officially voted Amber Alexander as the CEO of the organization. Alexander has served in the Portage Township YMCA organization in a variety of roles since 2008.
“Having started as an Americorps volunteer in the summer camp program in 2008, I have been humbled and honored to serve the community of Portage with the YMCA,” said Alexander. “I believe the Portage Y is a vital part of this community with rich history in the city since 1969. I’m looking forward leading the Y deeper into the fabric of the community and making lasting, positive impact on the children and families we serve for many years to come.”
Alexander replaces Chris Aungst, who stepped down in November 2014 after 15 months. He left to take on the role of COO at the Valparaiso Family YMCA. Adam Burroughs, Chief Volunteer Officer and Chair of the Search Committee said, “For the past year, Amber served as the interim CEO while a complete and thorough search was done to replace former CEO Christ Aungst. Without a doubt, Amber Alexander is the best possible choice to lead the Portage YMCA.”
“I have learned so much from the former leadership here in the organization, and enjoy having both my predecessors so close in proximity. Both Chris and Dave [Kasarda at Duneland Family YMCA] have offered to answer my call whenever I’m in need. That’s just another great thing about the Y – we’re all one big family,” said Alexander.
Under Alexander’s leadership, the Portage Township YMCA has branched out its programming to include evidence-based curriculum like WeDo Lego™, a STEM robotics program for elementary students; Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University®, a financial literacy program for adults; and LAUNCH, a youth obesity prevention program for third graders at Myers Elementary School. Additionally, they have undergone their first-ever “maintenance shutdown week”, a tradition among YMCAs that allows for heavy-duty maintenance and repair. This first shutdown included painting almost half of the facility, wood floor staining, carpet cleaning and new, internally-lit signage for both the building and the street sign.
Alexander has also focused on community involvement and partnering with other organizations to fill the needs of the community. In July 2015, the Portage Parks & Recreation Department partnered with the Portage Township YMCA to offer high-quality swimming lessons to children and adults as well as a brand new “Intro to Competitive Swim” course. This season, the Portage Township YMCA will host all home basketball games for the Indiana State Warriors, a local, semi-professional basketball team, providing an opportunity for affordable, athletic entertainment to the families of Portage.
“We are delighted to name Amber as the Portage Y’s new CEO,” said Burroughs. “Her years of experience and expertise whit the YMCA mission as well as her excellent relationships with leaders throughout the state will help propel us forward as we strive to help kids and families achieve and improve the health of our community.”
Alexander is a graduate of Wheeler High School, Ball State University, and an alumnus of both the AmeriCorps program (United Way of Porter County, 2007-2008) and Executive Journey Fellowship (2013). She was previously employed as a caseworker for victims of domestic violence in Muncie, IN, at A Better Way, Inc.
The Portage Township YMCA is a cause-driven organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The mission of the Portage Township YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Portage Township YMCA is located at 3100 Willowcreek Rd. For more information, please visit their website at www.ymcaofportage.org or call 219.762.9622.