New board chairman for YMCA
(CNS Local Life): David Watler is the new chairman of the YMCA of the Cayman Islands, succeeding Andrew Johnson who has completed his three-year term. Watler joined the YMCA board in March 2015, becoming vice chairman the following year. He also served as chairman of the philanthropy committee for two years.
“It is a pleasure and honour to be asked to serve as chairman of such a great organisation with a 175-year history,” Watler said in a YMCA press release. “I am thankful for the prior Chairmen, Andrew Johnson and Pastor Randy von Kanel, and their leadership in forming and growing the Y in Cayman and our amazing board and staff for their support and guidance.”
One of the main initiatives put through during Johnson’s tenure was achieving a formal partnership agreement between the YMCA and the Cayman Islands Little League Association (CILLA), which enabled the YMCA to assume day-to-day management of the CILLA fields, programmes and operations and move toward solidifying a location for a YMCA Youth Programme Centre at the “Field of Dreams”.
Another accomplishment was the opening of the YMCA Ropes Challenge Course, a team-building and leadership training facility made possible through funds from the Deputy Governor’s 5K Challenge event.
“The continued growth and vitality of our Y has been supported and guided by a talented group of servant leaders in our community,” said Johnson in the press release. “As board chairman I was honoured to serve with such a special group of dedicated individuals who sincerely believe in the mission of the YMCA, living out our core values of ‘caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith’.”
Johnson said he was retiring with a “sense of accomplishment and refreshed excitement to hand the reins” to Watler, who has been the vice chairman for the last three years.
The new chairman is looking to partner with other organisations to help the community. “There are many social issues in the Cayman Islands but there are also just as many opportunities to ensure our youth, adults and seniors have facilities, programmes and guidance through sports, healthy living education and life skills to be the best they can be and contribute positively to our community,” Watler said. “We look forward to partnering with other organisations and the government to continue to expand these facilities and programmes on island to meet these needs.”
Garth Arch, who is the new vice chairman, joined the Y during its very early days in 2012. Most recently, he has been serving on the strategic planning and facility committees.
For more information, go to YMCA website, email info@ymcacayman.ky or call 926-9622
Category: Community, Local News, Service Organisations
