After over two decades of dedicated service, it is with both sadness and excitement that we announce the retirement of Lorie Uranga, Senior Vice President of Properties and Purchasing, effective June 30, 2024.
Lorie’s incredible journey with the YMCA began in 1998, initially as a consultant during the launch of a major facility expansion initiative in the early 2000s. Her passion and commitment were unmistakable from the start, leading to her official joining of the YMCA family in January 2000.
Throughout her tenure, Lorie has made an extraordinary impact, leaving an enduring mark on our organization and its infrastructure. She has played a pivotal role in numerous projects that have shaped the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit into the thriving community hub it is today. From the conceptualization to the completion of projects such as our Carls, North Oakland, and Boll facilities, her expertise in design and construction has been invaluable.
Under Lorie’s visionary leadership, we’ve witnessed the evolution of our facility management program and staffing model, transitioning from union staff to YMCA employees. This strategic shift has enabled us to harness the diverse skills of our team members in areas ranging from electrical work to plumbing, mechanical tasks, painting, and floor refinishing, ultimately leading to more efficient operations and resource utilization.
Lorie’s innovative approach, including self-performing work, has been instrumental in saving the association valuable resources. Additionally, her efforts in centralizing purchasing, spanning from building services to office and cleaning supplies, have maximized our purchasing power for the benefit of all.
Perhaps most notably, Lorie has been at the helm of significant transformations within our aging facilities. Major renovations, expansions, and upgrades across various branches have strengthened our capacity to serve the community effectively, ensuring that our facilities remain safe, modern, and welcoming spaces for all.
While Lorie’s daily presence will be greatly missed, we are delighted to announce that she will continue to be a part of our family as a consultant. In this role, she will provide invaluable guidance and support in the areas of facility design and construction, contributing to the initial phase of our next anticipated facility expansion program.
In the coming days, we will come together as an organization to celebrate Lorie’s remarkable contributions and legacy. Until then, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lorie Uranga for her unwavering dedication and wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter of her life.
Leave a Reply