The Duneland Family
YMCA Board of Directors is announcing the appointment of a new executive
director and chief executive officer, effective immediately: Dave Kasarda
Kasarda succeeds
long-time executive director Kym Groceman, who has left the Duneland Y to
lead operations at Behavioral Specialists of Indiana in Valparaiso.
“This is a
tremendous day for our community,” Board President Bob Capehart said in a
statement released after deadline on Monday. “Dave's long YMCA history of
success makes him a perfect fit for our Y.”
Kasarda has nearly
30 years’ experience with the YMCA, beginning as a life guard at the Portage
Township Y and moving up through the ranks to become its CEO. Kasarda also
served as COO of the LaPorte Y before coming to Duneland.
Kasarda graduated
Portage High School and Indiana University and has extensive experience
working strategically with volunteers, staff, and Y members.
“His ability to
build meaningful community relationships to raise awareness of the Y mission
has led to sustained growth in the Y organizations in which he has served,”
the statement said.
“I'm proud to be
associated with the Duneland Family YMCA and I'm looking forward to becoming
a servant of the Duneland community,” Kasarda said. “I'm looking forward to
meeting with community members and businesses to learn what they want for
the Y. My vision is to connect the Y to the community, and the community to
the Y so that everyone says ‘That's our Y!’”
“My door is always
open,” Kasarda added. “Feel free to contact me at (219) 926-4204 or dkasarda@dunelandymca.org”
The Duneland Family
YMCA is located at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton.
The Y is one of the
nation's leading non-profits strengthening communities through youth
development, healthy living, and social responsibility.