It’s a long way from Texas to Michigan, but Kyle Anderson has made the journey twice…and this time, he intends to stay, chilly winters aside. Kyle is the new executive director of the South Oakland branch of the YMCA.
He’s worked for the Y for 10 years, starting his career in Houston, and previously was with the Macomb and Lakeshore branches before returning to Houston again. Personal reasons as well as professional ones drew him back to Michigan. His wife’s family is in the area, and with three young boys (his sons are 6, 4 and 2) the family wanted to set down roots here. They’re an outdoorsy family who loves to fish, hunt, camp and hike and Michigan’s amazing outdoor recreation activities were a big draw.
His goals for the South Oakland branch are to update the interior, and to make a positive impact on the eight communities the South Oakland branch serves, he says. “I want to see what programs we can offer for families’ sports needs, for their fitness needs — we don’t want you to have to drive to get those needs met,” Kyle says.
He’s aware of the deep tradition the South Oakland Y embodies in the community, and points to the Strong Kids Campaign as evidence of those close ties. More than $200,000 goes back into the community in the form of scholarships through the Strong Kids Campaign.
That’s one of the things that set the Y apart, he says. Another is the caring staff. “You’re more than just a membership number to our staff, you’re an actual person,” he says. “Our goal is to make sure when you come here it’s the best part of your day.”
Welcome, Kyle!