SIDNEY – The Ohio Alliance of YMCA’s has named Sidney-Shelby County YMCA Operations Director Jamie Crippin the “Program Director of the Year.” The announcement was made in Columbus, Ohio during the 2022 Ohio YMCA’s Leadership Conference.
“Before Jamie started at our Y nearly 3 years ago as the membership director, it was clear that she had a heart for helping children to develop their full potential. She owned her own cheer gym for many years and later worked for the Girl Scouts, and she remains involved as a volunteer,” says David O’Leary, CEO. “With her passion for making a difference through the Y and a tenacious work ethic, she earned a promotion to also lead the aquatics, gymnastics and youth departments as the membership and program director.
“Under her leadership, while still navigating all the challenges of COVID and the growing staffing shortages, membership and programming has returned to their pre-pandemic levels. STEM Robotics and Superstar Athletes are two new programs for kids with development disabilities that were added to increase the Y’s impact on the youth and families in our community.”
Crippen said a team effort is responsible for her winning the award.
“I am extremely honored to have received this very prestigious award. Winning this award would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of my team with whom I am incredibly thankful and proud of. It is together that we are able to continue to serve our community and offer the amazing programs that only the Sidney Y can!” said Crippen.
In January 2022, Crippin was promoted to operations director at the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA to provide leadership with the integration of the wellness department with all of the other Y’s programming.
“Her focus and dedication to continually improving every aspect of our Y to serve youth and families in our county is the reason she is deserving of this award,” said O’Leary.
Ruth Knous, strategic consultant, Ohio Alliance of YMCA’s, added, “Jamie certainly represents all four of the Y’s Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, however I could make a case that she best represents the value of Caring. She works tirelessly in everything that she does to help the Y staff, volunteers, members, and program participants whom we serve. She has a servant’s heart and will do whatever it takes to help people. It’s quite obvious, she does it because she cares.”
