When Curt Hazelbaker was a younger whippersnapper, he “worked at the Town North Family YMCA as a camp counselor.” It was a great experience for Curt. So much so that it served as a “springboard” for his professional life resulting in his holding various positions within the YMCA, serving on the YMCA of the USA Board of Directors and becoming the president and CEO of the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina.
Now, it all comes full circle with today’s announcement that Curt has been named the successor to longtime YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas President/CEO Gordon Echtenkamp, who announced his retirement in July after being with the Y for the past 40 years.
According to Curt, “It feels great to be back where my love for the YMCA began. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and lead the community that has given me so much. Our three pillars are youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. By focusing on these three areas, the Y can be a truly transformative partner in improving the health and wellness of the communities we serve. Thanks to current president and CEO Gordon Echtenkamp and the great foundation that he has built over the past 16 years of his tenure, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is poised to be that partner. I’m honored to grow that role for the Y.”
BTW, the Y of Curt’s youth has, like Curt, has grown from the old days has grown in providing services
According to YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Board Chair Kelvin Walker said, “The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas can help solve some of the most critical challenges we face as a community – specifically in the areas of health and wellness. Yes, the Y is a great place to swim and our life-saving swimming lessons make us a key public safety partner. The Y has accessible, leading programs for youth and adults and top-notch gyms and because exercise contributes to both physical and mental wellness, the Y is a key public health partner. Curt Hazelbaker’s task as CEO will be to expand the reach of the Y. We know that improving health and wellness in our community is a complex challenge, but when you combine the power of Y volunteers, proven programs and an extraordinary leader like Curt Hazelbaker, the Y is perfectly positioned to make a transformative impact.”
While Curt doesn’t officially assume his new role until Monday, January 16, he, his wife Melody and two children will be packing their household for the move to Dallas.
As for Gordon, he’ll “stay on for a period of time to help with the transition.”
* Photo provided by YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas