(Atlantic) The Executive Director of the Nishna Valley Family YMCA was celebrated during a ceremony on Thursday morning. Dan Haynes was recognized for his 30 years with the Y.
Haynes refers to it as a privilege to be in his position because all of the great people. “I just got to go along for the ride because theirs tons of volunteers and all of you as donors that have made all of it come true for us. It’s been a wonderful, wonderful ride and it’s really because of those relationships and all the people that have helped build this building. What’s really exciting is what’s coming next. I think we have some wonderful opportunities going forward.”
YMCA Board President Ted Robinson sang the praises of the facility that Haynes oversees. “And I can tell you with assurance that there is no cleaner facility, no friendlier facility, than our YMCA here in Atlantic. I have been to some Y’s in Omaha, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. I’m here to tell you that this is the nicest facility. It may not be as big as some of those others, but this is the nicest facility that I have ever been in.”
Robinson commended Haynes on his longevity. “Not a lot of people that I know of have been at the same place for 30 years. I think it really says something to have that kind of dedication to anywhere. Whether it’s a place of work or an organization or anything like that. What comes with that dedication is steadfastness and improvements. Look where we were back in 1991 with the building we were in and look at the building we are in now.”
Over the past three decades Haynes has led an expansion from one full-time employee and ten part-timers to a staff of well over 100.
Ted Robinson presented Dan Haynes with a plaque and then opened the floor for anyone else who wanted to offer some words.
Childcare Director Dianna Williams:
School Age/Preschool Director (and wife) Leslie Haynes:
Board President Ted Robinson:
Executive Director Dan Haynes:
