After two decades of service, the YMCA of the Suncoast, our branches and the community are excited to wish our President and CEO, G. Scott Goyer, a well-deserved retirement! As we gather to reflect on Scott’s incredible impact on our community, we also acknowledge his dedicated years of service to the YMCA movement.
Scott’s 44-year career with the YMCA includes time as Senior Vice President and COO at the YMCA of Greater St. Paul and 24 years at the YMCA of the Suncoast. During his tenure, Scott and his Board led the YMCA of the Suncoast and its branches through significant growth, including the addition of three new branches. Membership throughout the Association nearly tripled during Scott’s leadership, and the YMCA’s before and after-school care programs grew by 56 locations!
One of Scott’s most admirable qualities is his belief in community ownership of the Y. Carol Parks, our Senior Vice President and Chief Administration Officer, beautifully expressed this sentiment. “One of my favorite things about Scott is his philosophy about the community owning the Y. When making a decision, it wasn’t about what he wanted but what the community needed.” This approach has guided Scott’s leadership, ensuring that every decision was made with the community’s best interests at heart.
Scott’s collaborative spirit has also been a cornerstone of his leadership style. Beth Gettig, our Vice President of Youth Development, noted, “I am always so appreciative of Scott’s collaborative spirit. He is thoughtful in ‘who else’ needs to be included. His constant drive to always do the right thing will leave a lasting impact on all of us.” Scott has a unique ability to bring people together, fostering partnerships that enhance our programs and extend our reach throughout the community.
Another critical aspect of Scott’s leadership is his trust in his team. Tim Ackerman, Vice President of Properties, captured this perfectly. "I have always enjoyed Scott’s leadership style. He hires competent staff and allows them to do the work without constantly looking over their shoulder. That level of trust is greatly appreciated and creates a culture of success shared by all equally.” This culture of empowerment has allowed our Association to thrive and innovate, resulting in countless success stories within our YMCA programs and initiatives.
As we bid farewell to Scott, we do so with immense gratitude. His legacy will continue to inspire us to uphold the values he instilled in our organization.
Thank you, Scott, for your years of dedicated service, unwavering commitment to our community and the trust you have placed in us. You will be deeply missed, but your impact will resonate for years to come. Here’s to Scott Goyer—a true champion of the YMCA and the Suncoast community!
Published Tuesday, October 29, 2024.