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YMCA Buffalo Niagara names new CEO

by jmaloni
Tue, Dec 18th 2012 09:35 am

Veteran Y executive Buddy Campbell to succeed long-time CEO John Murray

YMCA Buffalo Niagara has announced the selection of Olin B. "Buddy" Campbell Jr. as the association's new chief executive officer. Campbell will replace retiring CEO John Murray, who is stepping down in February 2013 after serving in the position for 25 years.

Campbell, a native of Batavia, comes to Buffalo from the YMCA of Greater Rochester where he worked the past 12 years, including 11 as senior vice president/association advancement. He was a key member of a senior leadership team that increased the Rochester Y's revenues 108 percent, membership by 165 percent, and program revenue by 67 percent. The Rochester Y is roughly double the size of the Buffalo Niagara Y.

Prior to joining the Rochester association, Campbell served more than 10 years as the Buffalo Niagara Y's chief operating officer, working hand-in-hand with Murray to turn around the association, which had experienced many years of poor financial performances prior to them assuming management. Under the leadership of Murray and Campbell, the Buffalo Niagara Y achieved nine consecutive years of financial surpluses, expanded school-age child care from four sites to 41, and developed a new branch in Lancaster.

Campbell joined the YMCA in 1973 while still a student at the State University College at Brockport from which he earned his undergraduate degree in 1974. He worked for the Genesee Area Y in Batavia until 1982, at which time he joined the Rochester Y. He came to Buffalo in 1988 and then went to Rochester in 1999.

"We are thrilled to have secured Buddy Campbell as our next CEO," said Anthony Spada, CEO of AAA Western and Central New York and chair of YMCA Buffalo Niagara's board of directors. "The position was posted on the YMCA's national job board and we had a large pool of very qualified candidates. And when all was said and done, Buddy was head and shoulders above the field. He knows Buffalo, he knows our Y, and he will hit the ground running in February to assume the very large shoes of John Murray."

The search committee was composed of long-time YMCA volunteers and chaired by Maureen Hurley, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Rich Products. YMCA national search consultants Mike Harrison and Rick Peterson served as advisers to the committee.

"This is my dream job," Campbell said. "While I've worked in Rochester many years and enjoyed a great career and would have been very happy to finish there, the lure of coming back to Buffalo was too strong to pass up. It will be a privilege to be able to continue the legacy of John Murray and all of the committed volunteers who have built the Buffalo Niagara Y into one of the most respected associations in the country. I am looking forward to working with the volunteers and staff to take our YMCA to the next level."

Campbell joins the Buffalo Niagara Y at a noteworthy juncture, just as the association opens its new, 94,000-square-foot Independent Health Family Branch YMCA near the Main and Young intersection in Williamsville.

Founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is the second-oldest YMCA in the U.S. and one of the oldest continuously operating institutions in Western New York. The Buffalo Niagara Y has a full-time staff of 79 people who oversee more than 800 part-time employees, eight branches, and operations in 30 off-site locations.

Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is an inclusive association of people committed to a common effort to help individuals and families reach their fullest potential in terms of spirit, mind and body. The YMCA's focus on health and wellness is reflected in the variety of programs that it offers for all ages and abilities. Additionally, collaborations with insurance carriers such as Univera, Independent Health and BlueCross BlueShield provide the opportunity for those wanting to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle to do so at the YMCA.

A not-for-profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 100,000 people annually through the seven branches located throughout Western New York, YMCA Camp Weona, as well as at 40-plus community-based program sites. This outreach would not be possible without the support of volunteers. From summer camp, preschool and school-age child care to SilverSneakers, youth sports programs and swimming lessons, there is no shortage of activities at the YMCA.

For more information, visit www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org.

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