Among 2700 YMCAs across the nation, it is not likely that there are many with the remarkable experiences that Randy Kinnas has had over his 27 years with the organization. From living himself at a Y at his first job in Lawrence, Massachusetts to overseeing a unique quasi-public/private operation in his first CEO role with the Northern Berkshire YMCA, to overseeing a merger countywide to ushering in the beginning stages of the most recent capital project at the Pittsfield Family YMCA - there isn't much he hasn't seen. For Randy it continues to be about focus on two core priorities: building relationships and achieving tangible results. Now as the COO of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs, Randy provides support and his guidance to YMCAs across the state, and while he has always had an eye on moving to the national scale, the Berkshires is his home and the more reasonable commutes suit him today, as he raises four children, including two boys who are just about Little League age. Also in this episode we cover: Randy's early days in the Y, and applying for his first CEO position in North Adams at the age of 29 (with the encouragement of his Mom), opening the box of character development, thinking differently on the use of space at the Y, the expansion of child care and child programs, running a non-profit sustainably, the innovation of the Northern Berkshire YMCA model that includes a public school attached to the facility, the Ponterril property (still owned by the Y), the Mass. Alliance of YMCAs shared services model, raising two older daughters and two younger boys, lessons from playing sports, the old CYC basketball and learning the fundamentals, playing basketball for Westfield State College and more.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Randy Kinnas.