At the YMCA of Lincoln, people make everything possible. We are so grateful for the wonderful staff we have that not only make the Y a great place to be, but serve our community every day. Keep reading to meet one of our amazing team members:
Kelsey Fincham, Copple Family YMCA Associate Executive Director
How long have you been working at the YMCA of Lincoln?
I started at the YMCA of Lincoln as a part-time employee for a year, and have been full-time for the past five years. Prior to the Lincoln Y, I worked at the Greater Wichita YMCA for five and a half years in both full-time and part-time roles.
What other roles have you had at the Y?
When my husband and I moved to Lincoln in 2016, I started at the Fallbrook Y as a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise instructor. I started as the Health & Wellness Director at the Copple Family YMCA in February of 2017 and was promoted to Associate Executive Director at Copple Family in June 2021.
While I was at the Greater Wichita YMCA, I was a Personal Trainer, Healthy Lifestyle Coach, and Director of Corporate Coaching.
What makes the YMCA of Lincoln different than other places you've worked?
All of the staff and members that have become great friends, and even some that have become like family. The daily interactions are always special and something I look forward to.
What has been your proudest career moment and why?
I would have to say being part of the opening of the Copple Family YMCA! The excitement people had and continue to have for this branch is so special. Getting to know the members over the years and seeing people's progress has been a really rewarding part of the job.
What is one of your favorite memories from working at the Y?
There are so many, it's hard to pick just one! The first session of Livestrong, Pearl Johnson and Ace California–see the Copple Family Y Facebook page for a good laugh, Pancakes & Pajamas, all of the directors shoveling snow after we had that huge snow storm last year, watching my son learn how to swim through lessons at the Y, Christmas in July, I could go on!
What is the best advice you've ever received?
To share your smile, you never know who you might come across that needs it.
What's something most people don't know about you?
I am distantly related to Judy Garland, who was Dorothy on the Wizard of Oz–which is funny because I was born and raised in Kansas!
We want to extend our sincerest thanks and congratulations to Kelsey for helping to make the YMCA of Lincoln a great place for 5 years! We can't wait to see how she will continue to make a difference in our community in the future.