Y Board members recognized for their leadership.
The Fond du Lac Family YMCA is pleased to announce the appointment of Holly Luehring to a two-year term as president of the Y’s board of directors. The appointment was made at the Y’s virtual January Board of Director meeting. Luehring, Director of Marketing and Communications at Michels Corporation, replaces past president, Mike Hierl, who has served on the Y board since 2017. Luehring sits on the Executive/Governance and Communications committees and is in her second term, serving on the Y board since 2016.
Outgoing Board President, Mike Hierl, was recognized for his time leading the board over the last two years as Board President. During his term, Hierl led the Y through multiple challenges, including a CEO transition, clean up and recovery from a major flood resulting in over $250k in damage, and the recent challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought. Raflik says, “Mike helped us manage through 10 weeks of full closure and a safe re-opening, along with leading us through all of the plans and decisions that needed to be made at the Y during this time. While we will be in recovery mode for some time yet, Mike’s leadership has set us on a fast track towards recovery, and we are in a great position to succeed moving forward.”
Outgoing Past Board President, Shayne Bauer, was honored for his time and dedication to the Y, serving on the Y board since 2013. JJ Raflik, CEO/Executive Director, Fond du Lac Family YMCA, states, “The Y saw exponential growth during Shayne’s tenure, especially during his time as board president. It was during this time that the Y underwent a $1 million campaign that made additional Healthy Living program space and virtual group exercise concepts possible, transforming the way we are able to serve members. Shayne helped lead the Y through this transformation.”
The Y presented board member Bonnie Schmitz with the Wisconsin Alliance of YMCA’s Leadership Award, presented to an outstanding volunteer, as nominated annually by the leadership team from each YMCA across the state. “Bonnie has been an instrumental leader for our YMCA. Her dedication and leadership have been critical for our Y, specifically over the past year and a half, as we have faced challenging opportunities such as major flood damage, leadership changes, and now the global pandemic. Bonnie chairs our Finance Committee and has given visionary direction in each of those areas, to ensure the long-term stability of our Y,” says Raflik.
Board member, Dr. Mike DeGere, was awarded the Fond du Lac Family YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Raflik says, “Mike was an incredible and steady voice as the YMCA navigated through the uncharted waters of the pandemic. Mike provided continued guidance and we were lucky to be equipped with his knowledge and expertise to help guide our decisions. Mike has been a true leader for our Y, and we are proud to recognize him with the Volunteer of the Year award.”