Debbie Siebert, executive director of the Jefferson County Family YMCA in Festus, will head into retirement in a few weeks.
Siebert, 64, of Festus said her last day on the job will be Feb. 28.
She said a number of factors came together to help her reach the decision to bow out.
“You just know when it’s time,” she said. “I was going to try and make it to 65, but a lot of things have happened that make this the right time.”
Siebert said she hopes to spend time with family and to be more physically active.
“I’m going to take it easy for a bit, enjoy my grandchildren,” she said. “I hope to help get them back and forth to school, maybe give their parents a little break that way. “
Siebert also hopes to spend more time with her parents and siblings, who live in central Missouri.
However, she doesn’t rule out the possibility of dipping her toes back into the work force.
“I may look for a part-time job, something low stress,” she said. “I don’t think my brain is done with working. But not right away; I’ll at least wait until the season for bad weather is over.”
Longtime YMCA board member Kirk Mooney said Siebert’s strengths have been her visibility and her energy.
“I’ve known her the entire time I’ve been on the board, and she’s become the face of the Y,” he said. “Her passion comes through in everything she does. She makes board meetings fun, keeps us all on our toes.”
Siebert grew up in tiny Russellvile, just west of Jefferson City, and went to college on a basketball scholarship. She and her former husband came to Jefferson County in 1987.
She started her YMCA career as a part-time child care worker at the South County facility in St. Louis County.
“I went full-time there in 1994,” she said. “Then in 1999, I came to Festus as a membership director. July 1, 2015, I became executive director.”
Siebert said her promotion wasn’t part of her original career trajectory.
“When I became executive director, it wasn’t what my plan was,” she said. “They kind of talked me into it. And I’m grateful they did, because I’ve enjoyed it.”
Mooney said it was a logical decision, given Siebert’s enthusiasm.
“When she talks about the Y, she just lights up,” he said. “And she always has the good of this community in the forefront of everything she does.”
Siebert said leadership comes naturally to her.
“I was always captain when I played basketball,” she said. “Leadership ability is just a gift. I found that the Y was no different. This has been my team. I couldn’t have done it all by myself.”
Siebert said she will have no part in the selection process for her successor.
“Applications are coming in,” she said. “They’ll have interviews, and corporate will filter the apps and the board will choose.”
Siebert said she is confident she’s leaving the YMCA headed in a good direction.
“Things are going to get better and better,” she said. “The pandemic made a lot of people aware of things, one of which was their health. They come, knowing they can have fun while working to stay healthy.
“I feel we’re on the verge of an explosion. There is so much good stuff going on! We have youth sports, before- and after-school care licensed by the state, community health programs and outreach.
“We’re looking to take some of our senior health programs to other locations, wherever we can find a space. Chair exercise, aerobics – things people can do who may not want to or be able to come to the Y.”
Siebert said she will miss seeing all the people who come into the Y.
“Many people come here for the socialization,” she said. “It’s been great, as the pandemic ended, to see people again who I might not have thought would come back.
“Whether it’s a grinding, hard workout ending drenched in sweat or a leisurely walk around the track, I’m so happy to be part of it.”
Mooney said Siebert’s departure will leave a big hole to be filled.
“She’ll be sorely missed, not just by the board but all the members who come through that door,” he said.