New YMCA Chief Directs a Pillar of the Community

About a year ago, Trish Hooper, then chief operating officer at Trib Total Media, began thinking of a career change.

In November, the Sewickley YMCA's chief executive officer David Stevenson relocated to a YMCA in Connecticut.

In the months between, the YMCA's board of directors searched nationwide for its candidate to oversee the community facility.

About six weeks ago, Hooper started as the YMCA's new chief executive officer.

"I will uphold the original mission: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” Hooper said.

Hooper had been with the Trib since 1992 when she started as a reporter. During her 18 years at the Trib, Hooper continued her education, getting a master’s degree and advancing to the top. While working in marketing, sales and production, she did a good bit in the nonprofit sector as well. Her service on various boards brought a desire to move in that direction full time.

More than 100 applicants were considered for the top position at the YMCA. Three months and a rigorous interview schedule later, the board made its decision.

The process didn’t faze Hooper; she said she found it refreshing. It gave her an opportunity to get to know the members of the board, the employees and the mission of the YMCA. When she was hired, Hooper said, the transition was quite smooth. She began March 1.

It is easy to see that Hooper is passionate about her job. She lives in the North Hills and said she is quickly getting familiar with Sewickley.

This new position is not about taking over and making changes, she said. While still learning the ropes, Hooper must oversee the day-to-day operations of a complex organization. She said one of the first changes everyone will see is a new, more user-friendly website.

Hooper also has become familiar with its amenities and can tout the advantages of the fully appointed Community Center, which is used for paddle, yoga classes, rental space and more. She points out how a person can log into FitLinxx, a computerized system attached to fitness equipment to guide a person through a work out, keep a practice log and enter home activities for a complete fitness picture.

She'll tell you that the new pool is beautiful, but the original pool, now the Warm Water pool, is for more than just children’s swim lessons: It is a great resource for the elderly or infirm.

Most important to Hooper is the community. The YMCA serves Sewickley, Moon, Coraopolis and Ambridge. She talks about how child care is available to those who do not have the ability to pay, and how wellness is an option even for those unable to pay the annual fee.

She is excited about the healthy lifestyle program that the YMCA and Heritage Valley Health System coordinate to teach better habits to children in danger of obesity to live a healthier, longer life.

The best part of the job?

"The stories," Hooper said.

She enjoys the stories that people tell her about how the YMCA has changed their lives.

Hooper said she's heard many times, sometimes tearfully, that  "the center was here" for me.

"Helping them through an injury, being an outlet in hard times, everybody has a Y story. It is still a resource, a place to turn to in a community, a place connecting to a mission,” she said.

Hooper would like to see the facility become even more adaptable to suit the individual needs of the community.

“The Y is all about the people," Hooper said. "It has a great story."

To meet Trish Hooper, have an opportunity to hear her story and ask questions, the YMCA has a series of forums. More information is available at the YMCA.