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Mike Gonzales retiring after 45 years with Ed Thomas YMCA
McCOOK, Neb. -- Michael Gonzales, Executive Director for the Ed Thomas YMCA, has annouced his retirement as of March 27, 2020. Mike has served at the Ed Thomas YMCA association for a total of 45 years.
“We are thankful to have Mike serve this YMCA and community since he began as Program Director in 1975, said Jeremy Shaw, YMCA past president and board member.
“For more than four decades, he has built relationships with so many talented and committed volunteers, staff, donors and community partners, who have guided and encouraged me and all of our Y leaders. More importantly, they’ve strengthened the very foundation of this community by bringing incredible programs and services to so many,” Shaw said.
Jeremy continued, “Mike is recognized as one of the top Y executives in our nation, not only for growing the size and scope of our Y, but for leading and expanding efforts that transform the lives of those who need our Y the most.”
Kathy Shafer expressed her gratitude as well: “Mike dedicated his life to successfully moulding the YMCA in McCook into a regional community venue for all ages to gather, socialize, communicate, learn, play, work, grow (physically, mentally and spiritually), participate, compete, rehabilitate, volunteer, serve, celebrate and exercise. His interactions with the youth at the YMCA were always inspiring. He could gather a group of restless students sitting in the YMCA and engage them in an impromptu physical movement class that was fun and energizing.
Whenever a YMCA project required manual labor that was too expensive to hire, Mike and his family always provided many hours of physically demanding effort to help complete the task. Mike has served this area well with his time, talents, skills and determination to create a healthier community with a safe and empowering environment for all to live, work and play.”
— About the Ed Thomas YMCA - www.mccookymca.org The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of McCook engages men, women and children -regardless of age, income or background - to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for many years, the Ed Thomas YMCA has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.