Randy Kinnas, interim CEO of the Northern Berkshire YMCA, speaks at the organization's 129th annual meeting on Wednesday.

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire YMCA has a long history of serving the region, but it had a short annual meeting on Wednesday morning.

That's partly because planned keynote speaker Mike Jaffe, known as the "human wake-up call," had a death in the family so could not attend. But it's also because the organization is currently in a very good place, despite having had a change in leadership.

"It is running absolutely flawlessly," said David Brown, president of the board of directors. "Financially it is solid."

In between official business of approving a new slate of officers and recognizing Renzi Lamb as "YMCA Ambassador" and Julio Cruzado with the "Youth Volunteer Award," Brown talked about how the arrival of Pittsfield Family YMCA CEO Randy Kinnas as its interim leader has given the 129-year-old organization a boost.

"There is a new energy in that building that is absolutely palpable," Brown said. "By and large, the Y is in good shape. More importantly, it's in good hands."

The YMCA had to find a temporary CEO with the departure of Justin Ihne, who left at the end of October to pursue a position with another YMCA in New Jersey. Ihne had led the YMCA for four years, replacing former CEO Joe McGovern, who now runs Northern Berkshire United Way.

The solution came from its neighbor to the south, with the boards of directors of the Northern Berkshire YMCA and the Pittsfield Family YMCA approving an agreement in October in which the Pittsfield Family YMCA would provide interim management for the North Adams facility.

That was 120 days ago, Kinnas said, and those 120 days have been "a joy," he told the 100 or so people gathered for the annual meeting breakfast at the Williams Inn.

In those 120 days, the Northern Berkshire YMCA has been able to double its swim lesson offerings, bringing back a previous instructor to handle the details. Also in 120 days, youth membership has tripled, mostly because the facility lowered its youth membership rate to $35, Kinnas said.

"We're expecting growth moving forward," he said. "It's not a hope. It's not a dream. It's an expectation moving forward."

Future plans include adding a literacy component to the YMCA's summer camps, continuing and growing fundraisers like the golf tournament and 5K race, and more.

All of that will benefit North Adams and the greater Northern Berkshire community, said North Adams Mayor Richard Alcombright.

"It's much much more than a fitness center. Our YMCA has something for everyone," he said. "As mayor, I will also be supportive of this wonderful organization."

• Most Read

• Most Comments

• All News

• Events at Williams

• Photos