Press Releases

SALINAS, CA - October 23, 2007 - Dave Kretsinger has accepted the position as the new executive director for the Salinas Community YMCA and began his new duties on October 22. He comes to Salinas from Houston, Texas where he last served as the Vice President of Major Gifts for the YMCA of Greater Houston. Following a 50-year career with the YMCA, former Executive Director, Ronald Markillie is retiring; however he will continue to work as a volunteer for the YMCA as a project manager for the expanded facilities and programs.

Kretsinger is a graduate of Pepperdine University and has an MBA from Tulane University. He began his "Y" career as a program director at the Burbank YMCA in Southern California. Following Burbank, he spent more than six years as senior program director at the Torrance branch of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. Kretsinger worked for the University of Puget Sound and the Seattle Public Library Foundation from 1991 to 1997. In May of 1997, he joined the YMCA of Greater Seattle where he spent seven years as assistant vice president of financial development. In 2004, Kretsinger moved to the YMCA of Greater Houston.

Under his tenure, the Salinas Community YMCA anticipates great growth in membership and programs as Kretsinger is known for building strong relationships and developing a strong staff and volunteer team. His personal pursuits fit well with the Central Coast as he enjoys the outdoors, travel, reading, and time with family and friends.

According to Central Coast YMCA President/CEO Sharon Gish, "Dave will provide outstanding leadership to the Salinas Community YMCA and will be a wonderful addition to the Central Coast YMCA. I look forward to welcoming him to our association."

The Salinas Community YMCA is undergoing a $6.2 million major renovation project that will result in a significantly larger facility, more programs and staff, and additional family-oriented amenities and activities. The expansion of programs and facilities is in direct response to member input and community need. Creating a sense of community around fitness and encouraging everyone in the community to "Belong. Be Strong," the YMCA has a long history of dedication to supporting the health of the mind, body and spirit.

### About the Salinas Community YMCA
Founded in 1921, the Salinas Community YMCA involves more than 10,000 community members each year in character-building programs. A $6.2 million renovation on the YMCA's Clay Street location is nearly completed, offering a new basketball court, climbing wall, youth/teen program areas, swimming pool upgrades and a new entrance lobby. Ongoing programs include: health and fitness, aquatics, camping, family, community development, sports and teens. Current facilities include an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center, free weight room, aerobics/dance studio, handball/racquetball, sauna/steam room, whirlpool/jacuzzi, teen/youth center, general purpose room, drop-in babysitting room and computer room. For more information on the Salinas Community YMCA, call 831.758.3811.