Jason Boothe to take over as new YMCA CEO on Sept. 26
LANCASTER − Jason Boothe said his move from athletic director at Utah Tech University to new chief executive officer of the Robert K. Fox Family YMCA is not as striking as it may seem.
"I can understand on the outside why it might seem drastic," Boothe, 49, said. "But everything I've done as an athletic director is pretty much what I'll be doing as the CEO of the YMCA. Except all of my efforts to generate support and raise money aren't going to be reliant upon the wins and losses of a football team or basketball team. And I'll be able to provide services people of all ages and not just college athletes between 18 and 24 or sometimes 25 or 26."
He will assume his new position on Sept. 26, and takes over from Howard Long, who left earlier this year. Ed Bohren is serving as interim CEO.
Boothe has been at Utah Tech since 2010. He also worked for the United States Naval Academy Athletic Association, the Colorado Rockies baseball team, and the Colorado Explosion of the women's American Basketball League.
"It's exciting, to be honest," Boothe said of his move to the YMCA. "It's a little bit different pace for sure. College athletics is a pretty heavy lift. But I'm sure I'll miss it. I'll miss the interaction with the kids and the events and the games. But I'm really excited to be able to use my skills and abilities to benefit the community and a great organization."
Boothe's father was in the Air Force, so he's lived all over the world, including on the Greek island of Crete. He has never lived in Ohio and has no links to the state. But his wife, Hollie's, family lives in Pennsylvania.
"So we're going to be about six hours from them," Boothe said. "They were out here with us in Utah but they have recently relocated back to Pennsylvania. And with her being born and raised in Pennsylvania and my family for the most part being on the east coast, we'll be a lot closer to family and within an easy driving distance."
Boothe will be responsible for a variety of things at the YMCA, including, membership recovery from COVID-19, planning, staff development and capital improvements.
"We're going to dive in and really see what the priorities are from what the membership and what the staff and the board outline together collaboratively," he said. "Obviously, membership is a big part of the lifeblood of any Y. And with all Ys, membership was hit hard by COVID.
"We're all trying to work towards getting that back up. A big part of that is getting out into the community and telling everybody what services we do offer and why it's such a viable and valuable part of the community. It's not just a gym and swim kind of thing."
Boothe earned his doctorate of education degree in interdisciplinary leadership from Creighton University, his master of science degree in athletic administration from Florida State University, and his bachelor of science degree in political science/public administration from Northern Arizona University.
“We look forward to having Jason as the next chief executive officer for our YMCA," YMCA president Jim Sigafoose said. "He brings vast experience in strategic planning, operational excellence, and community activism. We are excited to welcome Jason into our community and help us lead our YMCA into the future.”
Boothe is a big sports fan. He said it will be nice to just attend a sporting event here without having to plan it months in advance like with has job in Utah.
He and his wife have twin daughters in high school and a son who just graduated from high school. Boothe said his son may attend Ohio University Lancaster.
Boothe also enjoys movies.
"In my other life I would have been a director or a producer or something," he said. "It's a cool industry. I'm sure it's a grind, too. But I love that part of it."
Boothe also enjoys playing golf.
jbarron@gannett.com
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Twitter: @JeffDBarron
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Jason Boothe to take over as new YMCA CEO on Sept. 26
