In episode 27, Eldad Goldfarb, the executive director of JCC of Greater Vancouver, shares how an aging 63-year-old facility sparked a bold, 13-year journey to create a self-sustaining, multi-partner community campus. Starting with a board-led vision in 2013, the JCC engaged architects, 30+ community organizations, and government relations firms to shape a project that integrates a new 200,000-square-foot JCC, expanded childcare, seniors’ services, an upgraded aquatics center, a new high school, and two 40-story rental housing towers.

By emphasizing inclusivity, cross-agency collaboration, and alignment with government priorities like childcare, housing and recreation, the JCC secured major provincial and federal grants plus $200 million in community funding. The project models patience, perseverance and partnership-driven planning for large-scale community recreation developments.

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In episode 26, Mark Williams, the chief growth officer of Arly, shares how community rec organizations can meet rising expectations despite limited resources. Williams explains that instead of defaulting to hiring more staff, leaders can gain capacity by standardizing processes, unifying data into a single system, and using automation and AI to simplify routine operational tasks.

Williams stresses that AI should augment — not replace — the human relationships at the core of community rec, helping staff spend more time with kids and communities. He also describes how Arly brings logistics, registration, communication, staff support, and curriculum into one platform and is rolling out new AI features — all guided by clear program goals and a strong evidence base.

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In episode 25 of the Community Rec Podcast, Lucria Ortiz, the CEO of YMCA Southcoast, shares her unconventional path from public defender in the Bronx of New York City, to nonprofit leadership in community recreation.

She explains how her courtroom experience sharpened her commitment to service and ultimately led her into fundraising and leadership roles within the YMCA. Central to her journey is intentional mentorship — both receiving it and actively seeking mentors whose careers she admired, building what she calls a personal “board of advisors.”

Looking ahead to 2026, she outlines three strategic priorities for YMCA Southcoast. Long term, she's leading a major capital campaign to renovate the New Bedford branch, honoring the organization’s legacy. For younger professionals, her advice includes believing leaders when they see potential in you, networking across the movement, staying open to relocation, and being deliberate about mentorship and growth opportunities.

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In episode 24, Jorge Perez, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati, details the upcoming 2026 Community Rec Leadership Summit in Fernandina Beach, Florida.

Perez, a previous attendee and the moderator for the 2026 Summit, shares his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting its value in bringing together diverse leaders to explore innovative approaches in community recreation. He emphasizes the importance of being curious, making connections across different sectors and understanding the deeper purpose of their work. The summit offers attendees an opportunity to learn from each other, share insights and develop new strategies for addressing community challenges, with a focus on moving from transactional to transformational experiences.

Interested in attending the Summit on February 17-19? Contact editor John Reecer at [email protected].

In episode 23 of the Community Magazine Podcast, Christina Bragg the vice president of marketing and communications at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, discusses the organization’s remarkable response to the devastating January fires that destroyed the Palisades Malibu YMCA branch. Despite losing their facility, the YMCA quickly mobilized its centers as support hubs, providing essential resources and becoming distribution points for over 30,000 volunteers who helped the community recover.

The organization is now moving forward with an innovative dual-campus model, including rebuilding on the original Via de la Paz location and expanding a community center at Simon Meadow, demonstrating their commitment to serving the community. Supported by local officials and driven by a mission to support community members through every stage of life, the YMCA has transformed a moment of crisis into an opportunity for renewal and continued connection.

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In episode 22 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Rick Gorab, the president and CEO of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, discusses how his organization exceeded its largest fundraising goal in 140 years by building a culture of philanthropy. The successful fundraising came through organizational commitment, bold goal-setting, creative themed campaigns and structured accountability measures across all six branches.

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In episode 21 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Supplier Voice edition, Emily Kelly, the national accounts manager at Bloomerang, details challenges faced by community rec centers in serving diverse populations.

She also shares how Bloomerang, a nonprofit software company, can help these organizations improve their engagement, communication and fundraising efforts.

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In episode 20 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Todd Tibbits, the president and CEO of the YMCA of San Diego County, discusses an exciting new partnership between his Y and YMCA Mexico — the Cali-Baja Binational Initiative.

This first-of-its-kind partnership aims to unify the San Diego and Tijuana regions by creating a shared advisory board, hiring a binational engagement director, and exchanging expertise in areas like marketing, philanthropy and leadership development.

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In episode 19 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Supplier Voice edition, Carter Collins, the owner and operator of IFTA (International Fitness Trainers Association), discusses fitness certification and training in the community recreation industry.

Carter explains how IFTA provides affordable and accessible fitness certifications, with a unique approach that includes online and in-person training options. IFTA serves various organizations — including YMCAs — and offers certifications across the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on keeping costs low while maintaining high-quality educational standards.

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In episode 18 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Peter DeGregorio, the CFO of the YMCA of Delaware, provides his takeaways for diversifying funding at rec centers during uncertain financial times.

The YMCA of Delaware focuses on public and private funding, program areas like health and wellness, child care, and youth enrichment, and demographic and location diversity. Innovative strategies include private grants and multi-partnerships, such as a real estate development project in downtown Wilmington. DeGregorio emphasizes the importance of a common vision, community engagement, and focusing on mission delivery to secure funding.

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