Change is in the air at the YMCA of Klamath Falls. With the fall weather comes a new era of staffing and direction at our YMCA.

The first major change is that Steve Meng is retiring as CEO and passing the torch to Josh Zumwalt. Steve has been with our YMCA since 2002 and has led his team through many highs and lows over the last 21 years. His dedication to the YMCA of Klamath Falls and its mission to "Put Christian principles into practice for all by promoting youth development, encouraging healthy living, and practicing social responsibility" is truly inspiring. The work he has done to benefit the community by providing a safe space for youth, families, and people of all backgrounds to connect through movement and community has made a significant impact on our YMCA and the Klamath Falls community.

Stepping into this role, Josh shares Steve's passion for the community and the YMCA's mission. He hopes to build on the work that Steve has already accomplished and continue making our Y a great place to be.

Josh Zumwalt's Vision Statement

"As I step into the role of President & Chief Executive Officer, I am filled with an unwavering sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future of the YMCA of Klamath Falls.
I am incredibly grateful for the two decades of hard work and dedicated leadership from my predecessor, Steve Meng, and I am honored to carry his legacy forward. My focus will be on building upon the incredible momentum we have created by continuing to foster a positive and empowering culture for our staff and members.
I am committed to expanding our impact by forging even stronger partnerships with local nonprofits and community organizations, including our local schools. This will be supported by a strategic effort to secure new grants and contributions, which will allow us to provide increased access to vital programs like team sports and healthy activities for at-risk youth and individuals in underserved communities, and to update and expand our facilities to better accommodate community needs.
My mission is to ensure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive at the Y."
— Josh Zumwalt, incoming CEO

New Faces Joining the Team

New faces are joining our team as well:

  • Surilma Mendez — Afterschool Coordinator at our Youth Development Center
  • Aaron Brown — Head of Maintenance
  • Natalie Parker — Associate Executive Director

A Maintenance Department in Transition

The maintenance department is experiencing a season of change as well. After almost 12 years of working for the YMCA, Marty Kennelly is retiring as Maintenance Director.

In his retirement, Marty plans to return to his passion for woodworking. He plans to combine his skills of metal work, welding, and wood work to make slab tables with handmade metal feet. He has been gathering apple, cherry, plum, oak and other types of wood and equipment to accomplish his dream retirement. We wish him the best in this journey and thank him for his service and time at our Y.

Remembering Dan Michaud

We also had to face a dark time as a Y family this season, as our dear friend and coworker Dan Michaud passed away this August.

In addition to being a vital part of our maintenance team, Dan was a bright and vibrant presence at our Y and always knew how to make us smile. Dan loved music, played both guitar and drums, and was always humming a tune. He also loved to cook, and always made sure our staff kitchen was stocked with good food, snacks, and supplies.

Dan brought vitality to our YMCA family and a smile that brightened every room he was in. He was a diligent worker, a kind-hearted soul, and a good friend. He is greatly missed.

Gratitude

With this season of change comes great gratitude from our YMCA family to the community who makes us better every day. We are a strong community because of the amazing people who make it up and who show up for each other in small ways every day. They are our inspiration and the heartbeat of our Y.

From our family to yours, we are thankful for you.