Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, recently elected new members to its Board of Directors.
Newly elected members serving a three-year term as board directors for the class of 2028 include:
- Troy Cardinal, Principal and Chief Information Officer, RMS US LLP
- Lawrence Cho, EVP, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer, Allina Health
- Dr. Maykao Hang, VP Strategic Initiatives and Founding Dean Morrison Family College of Health, University of St. Thomas
- Kelly Hyman, Senior Director Commercial Transportation, ERM
- Clarence Jones, Consultant, Clarence Jones Consulting
- Sean Moore, EVP and Chief Revenue Officer, Minnesota Twins
A community board representative was also elected to the General Board for a one-year term:
- Leita Walker, litigator and trial lawyer in the Media and Entertainment group at Ballard Spahr LLP
Here is an insight or reflection from each new board member:
“There’s more need now than there ever has been for organizations like the Y to build bridges,” Troy Cardinal said. “Wouldn’t that be great if we all just said, ‘Let’s make things just 1% better.’ That would give people hope and hope is a powerful tool.”
“Coming from healthcare, where we’re designed for sick care versus wellbeing, I completely believe in the Y’s mission,” Lawrence Cho said. “There’s a tremendous opportunity for us to not only bring communities together, but deliver on that focus area of wellbeing for all, which will be beneficial for all now and into the future.”
“Growing up, I went to the St. Paul Eastside YMCA for the youth-based activities,” Dr. Maykao Hang said. “The Y touches so many lives, in so many places, and makes a really big difference for individuals, families and communities.”
“For better or worse, during COVID, we all got stuck in our own little bubbles,” Kelly Hyman said. “I think the Y is doing an excellent job of opening up the landscape to be active and outside, and being inclusive of all — physically, mentally and socially — in a time when it is so needed."
“I’m a community member, and the Y is a great resource, a great ally, a great collaborator,” Clarence Jones said. “A lot of people don’t really understand the bigger picture about the Y, and I want to bring my A game to help my community be better.”
“One of the distinct advantages that I believe that baseball has in comparison to other sports is that it’s for all walks of life,” Sean Moore said. “The core values of baseball and the YMCA are so similar. Serving ‘all’ can mean getting a kid into youth sports, providing after-school care, being there for elderly folks who need to walk on a treadmill to stay fit and healthy throughout their life journey.”
“What moves me with the YMCA of the North is the sense of community, which I don’t think commercial gyms can replicate,” Leita Walker said. “At my Y, there’s a noon pick-up game, and you can have Division 1 basketball players playing with a 65-year-old. Everyone’s welcome, and it’s truly a melting pot.”
“We are thankful for the knowledge, skills and expertise our board of directors bring to our Y community,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. “Their dedication, commitment and unwavering determination helps mobilize our mission to build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 169 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.