Gwen Bagley, a self-described part of the YMCA move for over 20 years, has been named Executive Director of the Santa Clarita Valley YMCA.

Her most recent role with the YMCA was serving as the CEO for an independent YMCA in a rural part of Virginia.

“In that role I learned the art of balancing between working at a strategic level and day-to-day operations,” said Bagley.

In Virginia she had the oversight of all programs including membership, healthy lifestyles, aquatics, sports, camps, child care, capital fundraising and creating partnerships with other organizations to serve the community.

Bagley’s history with the YMCA began as a day camp counselor right out of high school. After graduating from the University of Hawaii with a degree in Family Resources she continued to work for the YMCA as a program director.

She then worked with the YMCA of Orange County where she was responsible for overseeing their entire child care program which consisted of 53 locations in multiple school districts.

From there she worked with an independent YMCA in Georgia where they expanded child care programs and opened the first facility in the county.

“My husband and I made the decision at the end of 2010 to return to the west coast in order to be closer to family. Upon returning I started the Master ’s program in Organizational Leadership with Gonzaga University and will graduate in spring 2013,” said Bagley.

Over the next 30 to 60 days Bagley says she will be focusing her time on orientating herself to the YMCA’s current status, receiving training on the tools and resources available (software, policies and procedures etc.), and meeting with staff, volunteers, members, and community members.

At the end of the time, she will present a proposed action plan to the board which will consist of the key priorities over the next 12 to 16 months for your consideration.

Bagley says her goal was to find a YMCA where she could serve and apply her experiences to help strengthen the community and grow the YMCA.

“Santa Clarita is a perfect match,” Bagley said.