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Friday, November 13, 2009 8:56 PM CST
YMCA makes an exciting leadership choice
By the JG/T-C Editorial Board
editorial@jg-tc.com
Applying and interviewing for a job is a relatively new experience for Tony Sparks.
Successfully operating a business or non-profit agency is not new.
Sparks was tabbed recently to be the new executive director of the Mattoon Area Family YMCA. The appointment is unusual only because it’s probably rare for an organization like a YMCA to receive an application with a resume like Sparks has.
He owned and successfully operated a business for most of his career. In recent years, he’s served on multiple boards, been a volunteer coach and actively been part of operations at the all-volunteer Mattoon Community Food Center, including serving as the organization’s executive director.
Sparks was not looking for a job. But he consistently looks for ways to help make organizations better, particularly when there’s an opportunity to help youth, families and community, which are key components of the YMCA mission.
The major projects on the YMCA’s agenda certainly are items that are strengths of Sparks.
The Y is working to conclude a multi-million dollar fundraising campaign, then embark on a major construction project.
The construction project must be tailored to ways the Y can enhance and expand its program offerings. At the same time, the Y plans to upgrade its facility, and further develop a staff to meet the changing needs.
Sparks knows fundraising campaigns. He’s been involved in multiple building projects, as well as the advance planning on determining the key elements to include in construction. He’s been part of remodeling efforts and purchasing new equipment.
He’s worked with volunteers in multiple venues. And he has experience organizing work and training staff.
Sparks has not been a YMCA executive director, but the local YMCA has an experienced board and staff that should help ease any transition to the nuances of a YMCA culture.
The YMCA is an important part of the area landscape, an important part of Midtown, and the addition of a local community member with Sparks’ background to lead the organization through a challenging period is exciting.
We look forward to working with Sparks and the rest of the staff at the YMCA.
There is one thing that could make the appointment even better. We know it’s a big request and difficult to fill, but here goes.
If the city of Mattoon could find someone for the city administrator position with the professionalism, management and leadership experience, and community commitment similar to or even close to what Sparks brings to the YMCA, it would multiply the possibilities for successes. While they are significantly different roles, both positions are headquartered in the middle of town and in their own way are key positions in the life of the community.
We appreciate Tony Sparks’ commitment to taking on the leadership position at the YMCA. We think the Y’s members and staff and the broader community will find him a leader and partner who will move things forward.
The example set by this move is one worthy of exploring in other key roles.
JG/T-C Editorial Board
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Mama says wrote on Nov 18, 2009 7:40 PM:
Also others trying to find sitters has been losing work and are being told will lose jobs if not find a way. "