Ep. 46 - Passing the Torch: A Conversation w/ YMCA Board Leaders Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean
Release Date: 08/28/2024
Ep. 55 - The Hosts Reflect on Two Years of (Y) Connect
(Y) Connect
Welcome to a special episode of the (Y) Connect podcast as we celebrate two incredible years of storytelling, community impact, and meaningful conversations. In this episode, your hosts, Allison, Robert, and Zarinah, take a fun and heartfelt look back at the journey of (Y) Connect, sharing memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories, and personal reflections. And speaking of memorable moments... you’re in for a treat! Robert showcases his incredible singing voice once again — a callback to the very first episode two years ago. Get ready for laughter, inspiration, and a walk down memory...
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Ep. 54 - Philanthropy in Action: Veronica Squires at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest leaders in our organization, Veronica Squires, our Chief Philanthropy Officer. Veronica joined the Y in June, bringing her nearly two decades of experience in Atlanta’s nonprofit community. She has held leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Posse Atlanta, The Good Samaritan Health Center, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Her extensive background, combined with her Executive MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, equips her to advance the Y’s mission significantly. As Chief Philanthropy...
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Ep. 53 - The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
(Y) Connect
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to...
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Ep. 52 - Hope and Opportunity: The Y & The Ansley School Alliance
(Y) Connect
Today on the Y Connect Podcast, we are discussing a powerful story of community partnership between the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead Family YMCA and the Boyce L. Ansley School, an afterschool enrichment program designed to support students facing challenging life circumstances, including homelessness, economic hardship, or unforeseen setbacks. Joining us are three key figures in this initiative: Jared Guyer, Executive Director of the Buckhead Y; Ray James, Head of School at Boyce Ansley; and Rachael Barron, a Y board member and CEO of Effective Students, to share insights on the program's...
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Ep. 51 - Connecting Family, Community, and Impact at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re joined by someone who wears a couple of hats in her connection to the Y—Lindsey LeFaivre. Lindsey is not only a passionate Y member and mom who participates in programming for her young children at multiple Ys across the city, but she’s also the Vice President of Customer Success with AchieveIT. This software company helps the YMCA track and measure the success of our strategic plan. In this episode, we’ll explore how Lindsey’s family benefits from the Y, what it’s like to be part of a community serving people of all ages, and how her professional expertise is helping...
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Ep. 50 - Senator Sonya Halpern’s Commitment to the Y & Community
(Y) Connect
We’re honored to have Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern join us today. Senator Halpern, who leads District 39, which includes neighborhoods in Atlanta, South Fulton, College Park, East Point and Union City. She has built an extraordinary career focused on advancing education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus and Chair of the Fulton County Delegation, her leadership extends well beyond the legislature. Senator Halpern's deep community involvement with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, the Andrew J. Young Foundation, and...
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Ep. 49 - Igniting Imagination: The Y’s After-School Programs Empower Youth
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re exploring the exciting world of youth development, focusing on the Y's reimagined after-school programs and our newly launched middle school clubs. Joining us are two outstanding leaders at the forefront of these efforts: Shauna-Kaye Davis, Vice President of Youth Programs for the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, and Tatyana Ferguson, Youth Development Director with the Villages at Carver Family YMCA in South Atlanta. Together, they’re transforming after-school hours into a time for exploration, imagination, and growth. From engaging clubs to career exploration and social-emotional...
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Ep. 48 - Finding Strength Through Community at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, on (Y) Connect, we share a touching and inspiring story highlighting the transformative power of community, fitness, and perseverance. Louisa Merchant, a dedicated YMCA member, and Cindy Augustin, a beloved group exercise instructor who has played a pivotal role in Louisa’s journey, are joining us. Recently, Louisa penned a heartfelt letter to YMCA leaders, reflecting on her experience over the past few months and how the Y has helped her regain physical strength and a renewed sense of hope. We’re thrilled to have them here to share their incredible stories and the profound impact...
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Ep. 47 - Fostering Belonging: Welcoming Week at the Y
(Y) Connect
Today, we’re celebrating Welcoming Week 2024, a time dedicated to fostering inclusion and building bridges between all members of our community. With the theme "Belonging Begins With Us," we’ll explore how the Y creates spaces where everyone feels they belong. Jamie Day and Rob Wilson who lead membership efforts at the Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA are joining us, and they will share their insights and experiences on making Welcoming Week a powerful expression of community connection. IN THIS EPISODE: [0:42] The hosts use their imaginations [3:54] Welcoming Week 2024 and Jamie and Rob give an...
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Pathway to the (Y) - Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean
(Y) Connect
Today we are highlighting Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean’s Pathway to the (Y) stories. We learn that both of our guests became involved at the Y at a young age and their families both were active participants in sports and youth programs throughout the years. Because the Y has made a lasting impact on both of their families, which is a big reason they choose to serve the Y and their community. IN THIS EPISODE: [1:00] Jeff learned how to swim at his local YMCA at a young age. When he became a father and it was time for his children to learn how to swim, Jeff enrolled his sons at...
info_outlineIn this episode of Y Connect, we have the privilege of sitting down with Jeff Beckham, the esteemed Board Chair, and Clark Dean, the Vice Chair of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. As Clark prepares to step into the role of Board Chair, we reflect on Jeff's impactful tenure and look ahead to the future under Clark's leadership. With a combined wealth of experience, Jeff and Clark discuss the challenges, successes, and milestones that have shaped the YMCA's 166-year legacy in Atlanta. From navigating the onset of COVID-19 to fostering community partnerships, including a significant collaboration with the Atlanta Hawks, this conversation offers a deep dive into the meaningful work of one of the city's oldest and largest nonprofit organizations. Join us as we explore how the YMCA continues to build a lasting impact, guided by visionary leadership and a commitment to serving the community.
IN THIS EPISODE:
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[2:53] Jeff and Clark reflect on how they each became connected to the board of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta
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[7:08] Jeff reflects on the challenges the Y faced with the onset of COVID and the purpose behind the board
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[10:17] Clark shares the 165-year history of the Y and discusses community engagement
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[13:24] Jeff and Clark look back on significant milestones and accomplishments and discuss the partnership with the Atlanta Hawks
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[21:25] Jeff shares some of the biggest challenges the board has faced, and Clark discusses his vision for the future
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[30:20] Discussion of getting outside the walls of the Y through the existing strategic plan, and Clark shares what he sees as the biggest hurdles in the coming years
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[36:38] Discussion of the Shepherd Center and 95-year-old Alana Shepherd
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[41:26] Jeff and Clark discuss how the community and stakeholders can best support the YMCA, and they encourage membership and participation
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[46:45] Jeff and Clark share their Y story
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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For 165 years, the Atlanta YMCA has been the largest nonprofit in the state of Georgia, providing a legacy that will endure through the next generation
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The Y is a paid membership-driven program that allows others who cannot pay to participate in the programs
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The board is looking for future leaders, young professionals and executives who will contribute their time and energy to their communities to help fulfill their potential
RESOURCE LINKS:
BIOGRAPHY:
Jeffrey Beckham is Head of Portfolio and Asset Management and a member of GID’s Executive and Investment Committees. He is responsible for leading the multifamily and retail asset management team, overseeing the multifamily, industrial and credit portfolio management teams, guiding the ESG effort across GID, and supporting the development of new investment products for the company.
Previously, Mr. Beckham worked at Jamestown, where he served as Head of Institutional Investment Management and Fund Manager for Jamestown’s flagship open-end vehicle, the Premier Property Fund. Before Jamestown, Mr. Beckham worked at Tishman Speyer in New York and Atlanta, focusing primarily on acquisitions and development deals. Before Tishman Speyer, Mr. Beckham worked at Hines in London, England, focusing on development projects and Morgan Stanley Real Estate in New York, London, and Tokyo, focusing on principal investing and advisory assignments.
Mr. Beckham is married and is the father of two boys who play basketball and learn how to swim at the YMCA. He received a BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
Clark Dean helped direct Transwestern’s Tenant Representation and Workplace Solutions business and founded the company’s Transaction Sciences Group, which operates across asset classes and service lines. Clark is a Transwestern Board of Directors member and its National Tenant.
Representation and Workplace Solutions Steering Committee. He also helps lead the company’s global partnerships with BNP Paribas Real Estate and Encore Advisors. With a background in biomedical engineering, management consulting, and financial structuring, Clark is known for being a disruptive innovator. His Transaction Sciences Group helps build businesses, grow non-profits, and enrich communities by structuring better solutions for real estate occupiers and investors. Clark and his wife have three children, all of whom grew up going to the Carl E. Sanders at Buckhead YMCA. He graduated cum laude with an A.B. in Engineering and Biological Sciences from Harvard University, where he played varsity football, served as a class officer, and delivered the Harvard College oration as a graduating senior.