MARYSVILLE — Ever since she joined the Marysville YMCA as its executive director July 26, Reeshemah Davis has been overwhelmed by her new community.
“I’m so excited,” Davis said. “I’ve been absorbing a lot, trying to listen and learn as much as I can, and I’ve been wonderfully welcomed by everyone I’ve met.”
Davis will oversee the Marysville YMCA’s day-to-day branch operations, including membership and program service, staff supervision, budget management, and financial and board development. She assured her new neighbors that the Marysville YMCA will continue to uphold its history of partnering with the community, while promising enhancements to its services and facilities in the weeks and months to come.
Davis is already exploring possible teen and family nutrition education applications for the former food bank building next to the main facility, which will be closed from Aug. 22-29 for maintenance, while crews add new paint, flooring, lighting and fitness equipment.
“This YMCA is really rooted in the community,” Davis said. “We want to try and set a tone that will attract people and get them excited about our facilities and programs. We’re more than just a ‘swim and gym.’ Today’s YMCA is about youth development, social responsibility, and health and wellness.”
To that end, Davis hopes to expand the Marysville YMCA’s existing community outreach, by encouraging her staff members and volunteers to meet community members out in the community itself. As the mother of a 7-year-old, Davis came to Marysville in part because she loved what she saw of it as a community where she could raise her child.
“The local YMCA association here is also a bit smaller than the one that I came from in San Francisco, while this YMCA has a larger staff and budget than the branches there,” Davis said. “I was looking at what fit me personally and professionally.”
Most recently, Davis served as executive director of the Buchanan branch of the YMCA in San Francisco, and previously served as membership and business services director for the Embarcadero branch of the YMCA that’s also in San Francisco.
Davis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, as well as a master’s degree in educational administration and policy studies from California State University in Sacramento. She’s also served on several YMCA committees and community organizations.
“I was very impressed with her background and focus on community development,” said Scott Washburn, president and CEO of the Snohomish County YMCA. “She brings significant experience and passion for the YMCA. We are very fortunate that Reeshemah has chosen to join our Marysville YMCA.”
“The reception I’ve received has given me a great feeling,” Davis said. “It’s very heartfelt and I appreciate it. I look forward to being here for many years.”
