Willing to Lead

October 28th, 2011 by Bruce Berglund

As many of you know, I am very passionate about leadership and its affect on our ability to achieve our fundraising targets and, more importantly, our organization’s mission. Over the course of the next several months, I want to take the opportunity to introduce you to some leaders who are using their gifts and talents to serve the communities they call home.

Miles Kanne (83) and Bill Stuebe (77) are the capital campaign co-chairs of the Monroe County Family YMCA in Bloomington, Indiana. I typically wouldn’t include the ages of volunteers but it is their collective life and leadership experience that has in part made this campaign such a success. Miles and Bill have been tirelessly working to make a new Y on the west side of Bloomington and renovations to their current Y a reality. They helped secure a $5M challenge gift and are on pace to secure $10M in community support. They bring focus, strategy, humility and humor to every meeting. I feel better after a meeting with Miles and Bill. Staff feel encouraged and challenged when they spend time with Miles and Bill.

They said yes to this challenge. Because of their willingness to serve and to lead, thousands of kids and families will enjoy the life-changing programs of the Y in Bloomington for years to come. Thanks Miles and Bill!

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes (and ages!). Are there leaders in your community waiting to be engaged? Waiting to make a difference? Don’t settle — find the right leaders!