Behind every strong YMCA is a dedicated group of leaders who give their time, insight, and passion to move our mission forward. Our volunteer board members at the YMCA of Central Kentucky play a vital role in shaping our impact, helping ensure that we continue to remove barriers, strengthen community, and serve all.
We’re grateful for their leadership and commitment, and excited to introduce you to their own Y stories and the reasons they choose to invest in the Y.
Name: Lisa Williams
Board Service: C.M. Gatton Beaumont YMCA Advisory Board
Three words you think of when you think of the Y: Community, Improvement, Fun
What is one thing about the Y you wish everyone knew about or could experience?
There is a community of friendly people for EVERYONE here!
Your favorite/current book, movie, podcast, or workout:
My favorite workout is Functional Fitness with Nicole. She can motivate anyone into a hard workout that makes you feel good- mind, body and soul!
When I'm not working or volunteering for the Y, you can find me:
When I’m not at the Y I have 2 things I love to do. One of those things is traveling to see my daughter, Becca, who lives in Washington, DC. We get together to do fun things like explore new cities, see Broadway plays in NYC, or hike in National Parks. I also travel to see my son and new daughter-in-law that live in Madison, Wisconsin. When we are together, we are usually outdoors enjoying the sunshine - hiking, boating or at a park with their dog, Ru.
The other place you can find me is watching sports somewhere with my husband. We love to follow Kentucky teams around the country and (try to) enjoy the Bengals, Reds, & USA soccer.
What inspires me to donate to the YMCA:
I have been donating to the Y for many years; however, since becoming a Y board member I have been deeply impressed at how our association functions from the inside, and my donations have grown significantly. The leadership team at the association level and the Beaumont branch employ an approach that is both thoughtful and intentional, balancing mission-driven values with a clear, data- informed strategy. It’s evident that decisions around programming are grounded in careful analysis, member feedback, and a genuine desire to meet evolving community needs.
What stands out most is their unwavering dedication to the member experience. Every initiative, refinement, and new offering reflects a commitment to ensuring that members feel seen, supported, and engaged. This combination of heart and rigor sets a powerful example of what effective, community-centered leadership looks like.
A favorite YMCA memory:
One of my favorite YMCA memories goes back more than 60 years. I practically lived at the Y—most often at the pool. My mom worked for the building executive, and my dad was an involved volunteer, so it felt like a second home to me.
I spent countless hours in that pool, but my favorite thing by far was the diving board. I loved diving, flipping—anything that let me fly through the air for a moment before hitting the water. I also remember getting scolded again and again by the lifeguards for running on the deck or cutting corners by diving into the pool just to get back to the board faster. A few years later, at a different Y, I found myself on the other side of it all — standing in the lifeguard chair, whistle in hand, constantly reminding kids to walk on the deck.
