09/24/2026
This past week, four of our YMCA leaders traveled to New Orleans for General Assembly, joining more than 4,000 YMCA employees from across the Movement for an inspiring time of learning, connection and shared purpose. Representing our Y were Paxton Tallent, Chief Operating Officer; Lance Friday, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Family YMCA; Lala Kozischek, Corporate Wellness Director; and Gracie Fulcher, Aquatics Director at the Hickory Foundation YMCA.
Together with Y leaders from across the country, they explored how small, everyday actions can create meaningful and lasting impact for individuals and communities. That spirit of connection is at the heart of our bold, shared vision of Creating Connected Communities—bringing people together, strengthening relationships and building communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive.