The YMCA of Central Ohio has announced the recent addition of Jeff Radde as the executive director for the Don M. & Margaret Hilliker YMCA, 300 Sloan Blvd., Bellefontaine.
Over the years, Radde has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience while working at four different YMCA locations — Findlay, Wooster, Hillsboro and Zanesville, where he most recently served as the executive director for the Muskingum County Family YMCA for more than seven years.
“I’m extremely excited to be appointed as the executive director for the Don M. & Margaret Hilliker YMCA and look forward to serving the Bellefontaine community,” Radde said regarding the role that he assumed Aug. 9.
The new executive is an “enthusiastic and involved member of the Bellefontaine community and brings strong YMCA experience – especially around innovative, responsive programming,” representatives related.
“As we adapt to the post-pandemic environment, we looked for an individual committed to both our community and the principals of the YMCA,” Don M. & Margaret Hilliker YMCA Board Chair Brad Kunze said. “In Jeff Radde, our team believes we have the right individual to jump start our programs and positively impact our community.”
Since joining the local YMCA in August, Radde has already added several programs in response to community needs — including youth dance classes, gymnastics and youth sports leagues for volleyball and flag football.
During the upcoming weeks, he also will be meeting with community leaders and organizations to share about the Hilliker YMCA and learning more about community needs and wants so the YMCA can be responsive.
A native of Fremont who attended the University of Findlay, Radde first started his career as a camp counselor in 1991 at the North YMCA in Columbus.
Working at the YMCA runs in the Radde family, as Jeff’s wife, Nicole, has served with the Y for more than 20 years, making a difference in the lives of youth participating in the gymnastics and child care programs.