Father's Day 2025

On this Father’s Day, I find myself feeling especially sentimental. As a father of two boys, one graduating from college and the other from high school, this milestone season is a reminder of how quickly time passes and how deeply being a dad has shaped my life. Watching my sons take these big steps into adulthood brings both pride and a touch of nostalgia as I think back on the years of guiding, teaching, and learning from them.

Being a father has taught me invaluable lessons about love, responsibility, patience and being present. These lessons have carried over into my professional life in profound ways. It’s made me a better leader, a more compassionate colleague, and someone who understands that true impact comes from the investments we make in others, especially the younger generation. This is something we see in action every day at the YMCA. The work we do together, supporting children, families, and communities, is deeply personal to me. I know it’s personal to many of you as well.

As I reflect on fatherhood today, I’m reminded of the importance of community, mentorship, and the incredible role we all play in shaping the lives of those around us. Fatherhood isn’t just about the role we play within our own families; it’s also about the broader impact we can have on those we mentor, guide, and support. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in a role that allows me to contribute to this, alongside all of you.

To all the fathers, father figures, and mentors in our YMCA family, I want to thank you for the ways you make a difference in the lives of the young people you lead. Your influence is felt far beyond your own families, and we are all better for it.