What has changed at the YMCAs in 36 years? Technology, says retiring Champaign CEO

Waldsmith has worked professionally for the YMCA since February 1989 at five associations including the Washington, Pa. YMCA from 1989-90, the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA from 1990-2000, the Highland County Family YMCA from 2000-05, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati from 2005-12 and the Champaign Family YMCA since then.

“I believe that each of the five YMCA associations I’ve worked for since 1989 were in better shape when my tenure ended there than when I began,” he said. “I cannot isolate individual successes from the past three decades because everything that happens at YMCAs is a result of teamwork.”

The staff conducted a retirement party for Waldsmith on Dec. 19.

“Under Paul’s leadership, the CFY has achieved many successes including new business development, program development and capital improvements,” YMCA officials said.

Working with staff and volunteers who are equally passionate about the Y’s mission is what Waldsmith said was best about being CEO.

“Working at YMCAs has provided me the privilege of working with people who truly love their positions (both paid staff and volunteers). Over time, you realize how fortunate you are to be in that position,” he said. “I tell people thinking about a career in the Y that it’s not a job it’s a calling.”

Before joining the YMCA, Waldsmith said he finished graduate school in December 1988 and went back to his hometown in Sidney and started working part-time at the YMCA there. He said he thought he would go into the Peace Corps, but accepted a program director position with the YMCA in Washington two weeks before he got an offer from the Peace Corps.

As for what’s next, Waldsmith said he will still work but at a slower pace, spend more time with his wife and family, have more time to exercise and stay involved in the community as a volunteer.

“It’s been a fantastic 35+ years of working for the Y Movement. I will miss working with dedicated staff and volunteers. I’ll repeat the old adage: ‘you know when it’s time’ (to retire, that is). I am convinced that retiring from the YMCA is the best step for me and my wife, but I’ll miss the people, the cause and the camaraderie,” he said.

The Champaign Family YMCA board formed a search committee in the fall, which is helped by Ohio Y Alliance staff and the YMCA of the USA, and will be interviewing finalists in January for the next CEO.