Garrett Ross, Class of 2018, has been promoted to CEO/Executive Director of the Ottumwa Family YMCA. Garrett now oversees all aspects of the YMCA, its programming, and mission execution in three focus areas of Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Garrett’s nearly 20-year career with the YMCA started at the Ottumwa YMCA in the childcare center as a high school student. After graduating from Indian Hills Community College in 2007, he spent four years as a Child Care Center Director in Oskaloosa and then returned to the Ottumwa YMCA in 2011 as the School Age Care & Marketing Director.
Garrett speaks highly of his time in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. “My time in the Ottumwa Leadership Academy had a significant impact on my professional development and set me on a course to pursue the CEO position at the Ottumwa Family YMCA. The interpersonal relationships I built and the professional skills I learned have helped me excel in my workplace. The Leadership Academy helped expose me to many areas of my current leadership position that I would not have experienced until I was in the position. It helped me to work effectively in the leadership of my staff team and support my board of directors in our vision process and long-range planning.”
Ross also had words of encouragement for local leaders who are interested in joining the Ottumwa Leadership Academy. “If you commit to this program, your rewards will be exponential in both your professional and personal life. I would have never had the opportunity to engage with the diversity of education focused on our local region if it wasn’t for this program. You’ll meet new friends, colleagues, and professional partners in this program that will last for many years to come.”
