January 2005 - In late September 2004, after seven years of service as the Chief Executive Officer of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA, Jerry Courtney submitted his resignation. Jerry has returned to the Midwest to assume the position of Executive Director of the Schroeder YMCA & Aquatic Center, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Milwaukee. This represents a wonderful career opportunity for Jerry.

The Schroeder YMCA is a full-facility Y renowned for its aquatic programs. It is located in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. The Courtney Family – Jerry, Sally and children McKenzie, Emmett and Sophia – have purchased a home nearby.

Jerry came to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA in September 1997 from YMCA Storer Camps in Jackson, Michigan. During his tenure with our YMCA, he oversaw the investment of more than $3.3 million in facilities and property. Jerry was instrumental in revitalizing the Becket-Chimney Corners Board of Trustees and spearheading increased fund raising activity. He played a key role in the creation of volunteer work weekends and a September alumni weekend. The results of Jerry’s hard work and dedication will be enjoyed for years to come.

On Sunday, October 24, Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Staff and Trustees gathered at the Chimney Corners Dining Hall to show their appreciation for Jerry’s many contributions here. He was presented with several gifts, including a photo montage of our camps in all four seasons and a framed print of Norman Rockwell’s “The Golden Rule.”

Soon after Jerry submitted his resignation, the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA Board of Trustees convened a Search Committee to begin the process of identifying a new CEO. Chaired by CVO-elect Ted Grave and composed of trustees Kim Armstrong Silcox (Chief Volunteer Officer), Sally Tyler, Bob Rich and Bill Vogt, the group worked through November and December to select Jerry’s successor.

In early January, the Search Committee identified Phil Connor, an experienced YMCA executive, to become the new CEO of the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA. Phil’s wife Mary Jo has served as a nurse at Chimney Corners Camp during the past two summers, and their children Sarah and Sam have been campers here. Oldest son Andrew is a college freshman in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Connors family currently lives in Muskegon, Michigan.

Search Committee Chair Ted Grave said, “Phil Connor is a seasoned YMCA professional whose passion for our four week camping tradition was evident from our first conversation. I am very excited about the future of our Y under Phil's leadership.”

While Phil was originally scheduled to begin his work here on February 1st, he made a special trip to the Berkshires to provide leadership in the aftermath of the fire at the Chimney Corners Camp Dining Hall. A more extensive welcome letter from Phil will be posted on our web-site in the near future.

The entire Becket-Chimney Corners community offers its best wishes to Jerry and the Courtney family as they begin the next chapter in their lives. We also wish Phil Connor and his family a warm welcome to the Berkshires!