Tusc YMCA’s new leader getting acclimated to role
DOVER (WJER) (Nov. 9, 2022) – The Tuscarawas County YMCA’s new CEO is introducing herself to the community.
Meagan Shaheen stepped into the role last Monday after 19 years with the YMCA of Central Stark County where she worked her way through the ranks to become a district executive director.
“I grew up in Minerva, Ohio, so I was a lifeguard and swim instructor just out of high school at our local outdoor pool. From there I worked for the Y all through college, and then when I graduated, shortly thereafter, I got a full-time position with the Y, and so I’ve been here ever since.”
Shaheen says everyone she’s encountered in these first few days on the job has been friendly and accommodating.
“It’s a wonderful YMCA so I just keep telling them how great it is and all the great things about it, the members, the staff, all of that. Of course, we’ll have some initiatives moving into the future that we’ll be working on. I think most currently, the Turkey Trot coming up, we’re very focused on that to make sure we have a successful event there, so I’m very interested to see that for the first time.”
She says one of her goals as CEO is to make more people aware of what the Y has to offer.
“We have everything there: Any program that you can think of for children. If you’re an adult and you’re interested in group exercise or just working out in general, a newer thing that we have is 24-7 access, which is an extremely great benefit to have. So, when the Y is closed regular hours, the building is actually still open and available for use. You just have to stop at the front desk and sign up for your 24-7 access.”
Shaheen is taking over for Keith Lands, who came out of retirement earlier this year to lead the Y on an interim basis after former executive director Tiffany Foxx left for a new position within the organization.