Brandywine YMCA Names
New Executive Director BY FRANCINE FULTON “When I think of the YMCA as a wellness facility, there is so much more than coming to work out,” stated Jess Rigo, who was recently named the executive director of the Brandywine YMCA in Coatesville. “It’s about your mental health and physical well-being, being connected to community and having a safe place where kids can come after school. Wellness is that whole mind-body-spiritual connection that we do so well that goes beyond coming in and walking on a treadmill.”
She worked at the Brandywine branch parttime from 2010 to 2015 and at the Lancaster Family YMCA, which is now the YMCA of the Roses. After that, she spent the last five years at the Spring Valley YMCA in Limerick. As the executive director, Rigo oversees the full-time leadership team, each member of which is in charge of a department, such as the membership director. “My main duties are general day-to-day operations of the facility, community outreach and ensuring quality programming,” Rigo said. Currently, staff at the YMCA branches wear masks and it is recommended that unvaccinated members wear masks while in the buildings. “We have hand-sanitizing stations, and we encourage people to wipe down (equipment) before and after using it,” noted Rigo.
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Rigo has served in numerous leadership roles across several YMCA associations and worked for 15 years in the mental health field. “My ultimate goal has been to return to the Brandywine Y, which I’ve always considered my home branch,” Rigo said, noting that the interview process
began in August and her start day was in October.
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She said that during the pandemic there has been a fluctuation of when members are using the YMCA facilities. “When you work in a wellness facility, there are ebbs and flows. Before the pandemic, we saw a lot of usage in early morning and evening,” said Rigo. “It flipflopped. People were coming in (during) off times and throughout the day when it was less crowded. Within the last few weeks, the busier times are busy again. Things are on the upswing. While it’s not completely normal, it’s moving in that direction.” The Brandywine YMCA, 295 Hurley Road, Coatesville, currently offers a wide variety of programming, including a child care and early Jess Rigo is the new executive director of the learning center, summer Brandywine YMCA in Coatesville. camps, swimming lessons, tennis, pickleball and an array of in-person and virtual group exercise classes for the community. “We’re trying to take the programs we have currently and make them ‘best in class.’ We want to maintain and improve our quality,” said Rigo when describing her goals. “When you work for the YMCA, you can make a difference in your own community. I’m so glad to be back home.” The YMCA of Greater Brandywine is an association of eight YMCAs: the Brandywine YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center, Octorara YMCA Program Center, Upper Main Line YMCA and West Chester Area YMCA. To learn more about program offerings or membership opportunities, visit www.ymcagbw.org.
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Chester County Townlively / January 2022 -
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