Ep. 46 - Passing the Torch: A Conversation w/ YMCA Board Leaders Jeff Beckham and Clark Dean

In 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:

• [2:53] Jeff and Clark reflect on how they each became connected to the board of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta

• [7:08] Jeff reflects on the challenges the Y faced with the onset of COVID and the purpose behind the board

• [10:17] Clark shares the 165-year history of the Y and discusses community engagement

• [13:24] Jeff and Clark look back on significant milestones and accomplishments and discuss the partnership with the Atlanta Hawks

• [21:25] Jeff shares some of the biggest challenges the board has faced, and Clark discusses his vision for the future

• [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 

• [36:38] Discussion of the Shepherd Center and 95-year-old Alana Shepherd

• [41:26] Jeff and Clark discuss how the community and stakeholders can best support the YMCA, and they encourage membership and participation

• [46:45] Jeff and Clark share their Y story

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• 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

• The Y is a paid membership-driven program that allows others who cannot pay to participate in the programs

• 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:

Facebook:  YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Jeff Beckham - LinkedIn

Clark Dean - LinkedIn

 

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.