YMCA Holds Meet and Greet For New CEO

Drivers on Plank Road in Keokuk Thursday afternoon had to beware of pedestrians for a variety of reasons. Not only was varsity football practice taking place at the practice field but community members walked casually back and forth between the YMCA and the high school. At the same time as superintendent Christine Barnes introduction was a meet and greet for the brand new CEO Mark Smidt at the Hoerner YMCA building. YMCA board members, community leaders, and Y members were all introduced formally to Mark, despite the fact that most of them were already very familiar with the longtime Keokuk native. Tom Richardson, who served as interim CEO at the Y before the hiring of Smidt, praised both Smidt and the people who work at the Y.

Richardson explained what he felt the Y needed and how he felt relieved when Smidt, a longtime friend, was hired.

When asked how he felt to be once again officially retired, Tom Richardson didn’t mince words.