On May 21, 2026, the South Shore YMCA Laura’s Center for the Arts in Hanover buzzed with a special kind of energy. Hugs, laughter, and even a few tears filled the room as 12 of the 18 South Shore YMCA living Board Chairs gathered from across the country alongside current President & CEO Trevor Williams and former CEO Ralph Yohe for a South Shore YMCA Board Chair Reunion. This unprecedented reunion was more than a celebration; it was a living testament to the legacy, leadership, and love that have shaped the South Shore Y for over 130 years.
A Vision Realized
For Trevor Williams, the South Shore YMCA’s twelfth President & CEO, the event was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. “I had this concept in my head for a couple years that it would be a real honor and a privilege to get as many of the former board chairs together in one location to celebrate every one of their contributions to what I have the honor of stewarding from 2026 forward,” said Williams. The gathering was a tribute to the leaders whose dedication built the foundation for today’s thriving organization. “We stand on their shoulders,” Williams reflected, “and my goal is to leave it better for the next group, as they did for me.”
Memories That Built a Movement
Each Chair brought a unique perspective, sharing stories that ranged from the humorous to the heartfelt. Mark Dickinson (1999–2001) recalled being the first person down the new Mill Pond YMCA pool slide in 2002 after his daughter got cold feet, and the pride of overseeing the addition that transformed the facility that is now the Emilson Y. “Being board chair when that happens is pretty exciting,” he said, noting his years leading the building committee.
For Dan DeMarco (2011–2013), the highlight was completing a new state-of-the-art Quincy YMCA building in 2013, now the Hale Family Y branch, a feat made possible by the collective effort of staff, volunteers, and the community. He fondly remembered being the first swimmer in the pool, dressed as Santa Claus, just days before Christmas.
The pandemic years brought unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Jim Dunphy (2021–2022) spoke of the resilience and unity that defined his tenure. “Watching the team come together and really become a part of the community, having to reposition and really deal with something unprecedented, was just fantastic.”
Doug Briggs (2001–2003) echoed the importance of relationships and camaraderie, sharing, “My fondest memories as chair really weren’t just as the chair, but overall, just the camaraderie and the relationships that I built with all the other folks at the Y.”
Matt Shadrick (2023–2025) recalled the energy and collaboration that made the Outdoor Aquatic Center a reality in the wake of COVID. “It was an unbelievable project and has completely changed the face of the Emilson Y,” he said, describing how the new facility revitalized the community. Yet, what brought him the greatest pride was the board’s thoughtful work in preparing a seamless leadership transition from the legacy of Paul Gorman who served 16 years as President & CEO to the vision of Trevor Williams.
A board member for over 40 years, Larry DiNardo (2003–2005) celebrated the expansion of Mill Pond Y and the completion of the Camp Burgess dining hall. “I’ve been involved with the camps ever since I was born,” he shared. “My dad worked there, so we spent summers at camp, starting as a camper in 1958. I think I’m probably one of the oldest former campers still walking around.” DiNardo also stressed the importance of preserving Y camp land. “Once the land is gone, it’s gone forever, you can never get that open space back again.”
The Power of Community
Throughout the reunion, a common thread emerged: the South Shore Y is more than a gym or a collection of buildings, it is a community. Lynne Rosen (2019–2020) was moved by the launch of the “Better You Belongs Here” campaign during her tenure, which she felt perfectly captured the Y’s mission. She witnessed firsthand how the organization and its people adapted to serve the community during the pandemic, proving that “this is not just about coming to the gym. It is about building a very strong community and responding to the needs, whatever they may be.”
The legacy of service and connection runs deep. Dave Keefe (2012–2014) reflected on the groundbreaking of the Hale Family Y campus in Quincy and the establishment of Pam’s Place arts building at Camp Hayward, honoring his late wife whom he met as a camp counselor there. A member since 1955 at the old Quincy Y, he marveled at the generations of families who continue to serve and support the YMCA, and the transformative impact of the camps and campuses. “Camp saved my life,” he shared. “I owe a lot to the YMCA.”
Generations of Leadership
The reunion was also a celebration of continuity and family. Alex Clark (1993–1995) traced his connection back to his great-grandfather, who signed the original founding document in 1891. “Previous to my involvement, we literally had no fundraising. During my time, we started a financial development committee, and we were able to raise funds to support the families that were in need.” The acquisition of the Hanover property, now the Emilson YMCA, and the growth to over 40,000 members across branches, stand as testaments to this enduring commitment.
Looking Forward
As the Y prepares for its next chapter, the sense of stewardship remains strong. Current Board Chair Mike Mullin (2025–2026) celebrated the recent 20,000 square-foot Hale Family Y expansion in Quincy, achieved through the “Leave Your Mark” campaign. He also reflected on the vibrant energy at volunteer and staff gatherings, and the smooth CEO transition from Paul Gorman to Trevor Williams as outlined in the Y’s bold new “Together We Thrive” Strategic Plan: “We were able to accomplish that seamlessly and feel confident going forward that the YMCA is in great hands.”
Rising Board Chair Stephanie Banzak (2027–2029) is looking forward to the 100th anniversary of Camp Burgess, a place close to her heart and her family’s. “My kids are involved at camp,” she shared. “The impact throughout the community is amazing. I couldn’t be prouder to be at the helm when all of that happens.”
Former South Shore Y CEO Ralph Yohe (1980–2009) summed up the spirit of the day: “We’re here with past board chairs today, just working with some wonderful people who are here for the right reasons, who give back to the community, who give their time, treasure, and talent. Because of them, we have what we have today, which is one of the best YMCAs in the country.”
The South Shore YMCA’s story is one of vision, resilience, and community, a legacy built by generations of leaders and embraced by thousands of families. As the Y looks to the future, it does so with gratitude for those who came before, and with hope for all the lives yet to be touched.
