YMCA Buffalo Niagara President and CEO Olin "Buddy" Campbell Jr. recently announced he will retire from his position at the end of May 2019, after 50 years of service and employment with the YMCA.
"Buddy has been instrumental in building the Y into the impactful, cause-driven organization it is today," said Mike Dolan, board of directors chair for YMCA Buffalo Niagara. "He has led this association with character and determination, which has allowed him to build an extremely dedicated staff-volunteer team to carry his vision forward."
Campbell's 50 years of service with the Y started when he was 16, working as part of the Batavia YMCA staff as camp counselor, swim instructor and lifeguard. In 1973, he became youth and resident camp director there, and his roles have continued to grow and expand over the past several decades, encompassing the Buffalo, Rochester and Batavia areas. He was executive director at the Maplewood Branch (1982-84) and Southeast Branch (1984-88) in Rochester. He went on to become YMCA of Greater Buffalo's vice president chief operating officer (1988-99), where he played a vital role in turning around the struggling association. He returned to Rochester in 1999 to lead the Management Resource Center for Upstate New York YMCAs and shortly thereafter transitioned to the role of senior vice president of association advancement with the YMCA of Greater Rochester, where his leadership and vision helped grow the Y's footprint and impact across the region.
Campbell's persona and reputation as an accomplished YMCA leader and visionary led to his return to the Buffalo/Niagara association in 2013 to serve as president and CEO. It was in this role that Campbell dramatically grew the presence of the YMCA in Western New York. A key part of this was the successful merger with the Lockport YMCA, which opened its new branch in October after struggling financially for decades.
"The highlight of my career will have been my six-and-a-half years as the president and CEO of YMCA Buffalo Niagara. The opportunity to work with and lead an extremely talented and committed staff team and to collaborate and work with a such a dedicated and dynamic group of volunteers has been very rewarding and a lot of fun," Campbell said. "I believe that, together, we have positioned our YMCA for an exciting future serving our community."
A CEO transition committee has begun plans for a smooth succession of leadership. Campbell will continue with his responsibilities as CEO until May, when his successor is in place.
Locally founded in 1852, YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA's focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility is reflected in the variety of programs that are offered to all ages and abilities. A not-for-profit organization, YMCA Buffalo Niagara serves more than 100,000 people annually through eight branches and two resident camps located throughout Western New York, as well as at over 50 community-based program sites. For more information, visit YMCABN.org.