Rebecca Bishop, 52, of Festus is the new executive director at the Jefferson County Family YMCA in Festus.
Bishop, the organization’s membership director, was promoted to executive director and took over that job on April 17, replacing Debbie Siebert, who had been the executive director since July 2015 before her Feb 28 retirement.
“Rebecca brings a strong skill set in leadership, service and management, along with impressive educational accomplishments,” said Matt Clark, district vice president of the Gateway Region YMCA.
“She holds her master’s of arts in teaching degree where she graduated summa cum laude, and two bachelor’s degrees. Rebecca embodies what it means to be an ideal team player and she is humble, hungry and wise.”
Before her director jobs at the YMCA, Bishop worked in education. She spent five years as the director of Sacred Heart Ursuline Learning Center in Crystal City, followed by teaching first and second grade at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Hillsboro.
She worked as a part-time fitness instructor at the YMCA several years ago, and when she learned the organization’s membership director position was opening, she jumped on the chance to apply and began that job in January.
Bishop hadn’t held that job long before Seibert retired and she decided to apply for the executive director position.
“I was encouraged (to apply) by folks I admire,” she said. “They really supported me in suggesting that I apply for it.
“I took a leap of faith and I applied for it.”
Bishop said her history with the YMCA is long, going back to when her family got a membership in the 1990s when the facility first opened its doors. Through the years she brought her four sons to the YMCA for swimming lessons, soccer, basketball, T-ball and 5K races.
“I’ve been coming here as a member for more than 30 years,” said Bishop. “It’s been an integral part of my life.”
Bishop said she’s thrilled to have the chance to work at the YMCA to fulfill its mission to help people be the best version of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually.
“There’s a valid reason why our members and our staff refer to each other as our ‘Y Family.’ This is a special place. It’s a place where people feel welcomed and supported and encouraged,” Bishop said.
“Every day I get to witness the kindness of others, the generosity of others, the strength and resiliency of others. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my day. I am passionate about it.”
Bishop said she wants people to understand that the YMCA is different from other fitness centers and gyms.
“The Y is so much more than a gym and swim facility. We do that and we do it well, but our impact in the community is so much more encompassing. We’re a community center, we’re a major employer, we’re a resource for those in need, we’re a charitable organization. We want to help our neighbors.”
Bishop said people might not be aware of some of the programs the YMCA offers, like the Y Club Before and After School Enrichment Program; the Child Watch childcare program for those using the Y’s fitness facilities; summer day camp; YMCA financial assistance and income-based memberships; and the free, 12-week Livestrong physical activity program designed to get cancer survivors back on their feet.
Bishop said she is excited about her new job.
“This is not a stepping-stone position for me,” she said. “I’m at my end game. I love this place. I look forward to a great future.”
The Jefferson County YMCA will hold a “Pay the Day” promotion in May, when people may get a discounted rate for one month when they buy a membership. During May, the first month’s fee for a new membership will be based on the date. For example, people can pay $16 for the month of May if they join on today, May 16.