GALION–The longtime head of the Galion Community Center-YMCA is stepping down at the end of the year.
Terry Gribble, 62, executive director of the Galion Y, is retiring December 31st after a 33-year career at the Gill Avenue facility. Gribble has dedicated 40 years to the organization overall – the longest-tenured CEO of all the YMCAs in Ohio.
“It’s going to be tough, no doubt about it. I’ve been doing this over 40 years of my life,” said Gribble, who told his staff and the board of directors on Tuesday. “The Y’s been an important part of my life. It’s going to be bittersweet for the entire family.”
Gribble, who previously worked seven years at the Hamilton-Fairfield YMCA in Hamilton, Ohio, took over the Galion helm in August of 1988. He has been the “face” of the organization, guiding it through growth and change – including two major capital campaigns – during his tenure.
The first campaign from 1996 to 1998 raised $1.5 million for a 19,000-square-foot addition to the facility, which became home to a child-care center, saunas, an adult locker room, and a board room. A small gym and weight room were also added during the construction project.
Another capital drive launched in 2013 paved the way for a “revitalized” facility and major renovations, including a new lobby, wellness center, and locker rooms. Upgrades were also made to the gymnasium and the free weight room and spin room downstairs.
With overwhelming support from businesses and the community, both campaigns succeeded in their goals, Gribble said and were the highlight of his career. “Raising that much money in a small community, that was huge, and adding the child-care center was a Godsend.”
The Galion Y 15 years ago was also proud to open and operate a child-care center in Morrow County to serve residents there, Gribble said. The Y’s operating budget has also grown considerably, he said, from $200,000 a year when he started to more than $1.2 million annually.
Gribble admitted that retirement wasn’t an easy decision, but it isn’t a new one either. “I’ve talked about it for three years now. I didn’t want to go out during COVID time, but it’s a good time to retire from the CEO role now and spend more time with my family and grandchildren.”
Gribble earned a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Miami University in Ohio. At the Hamilton-Fairfield YMCA, he served as program director before his promotion to associate executive director.
Last year Gribble was appointed by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine to a task force charged with recommending changes to gyms and fitness centers after they were allowed to reopen during the pandemic. He was one of four Y directors on the 30-member advisory group.
Gribble said more than anything; he hopes his time in Galion has left a “footprint” on the community he calls home and that the organization has had a positive impact on the health and lives of area residents. Because for now, this CEO is moving on to the next chapter.
“It’s certainly been a tremendous opportunity to serve the community, and I have truly been blessed to have this position all these years. I’ve had the greatest job on earth, and I truly mean that.”