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10/12/2010

CHRIS HUNTER

Starting Dec. 1, Dewayne Donaldson, CEO of the Oahe Family YMCA in Pierre, S.D., will take over as executive director of the Salina Family YMCA.

He replaces Phil Guries, who has held the job for 22 years.

After 30 years with various YMCAs, Donaldson, 53, hopes the move to Salina will be his last.

“When you work for smaller YMCAs, you move around a lot to move up,” Donaldson said. “It is part of the fun to meet a lot of people around the United States. Hopefully, I am coming to the end of my moving days.”

A native of Oklahoma, Donaldson has worked at YMCAs in Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota. He has been in Pierre for four years.

Donaldson said friends in the YMCA suggested he apply for the position in Salina.

“I have been through Salina when I was driving to visit Oklahoma for a high school reunion,” Donaldson said. “I had my interview on the way back and it was a bigger city with a small town feel.”

John Mize, chairman of the YMCA’s search committee, said the committee was impressed with Donaldson’s experience and commitment to the YMCA’s mission.


Read the rest of this story in Wednesday’s Journal.