In The Last Word, we sit down with an industry expert to share their wealth of knowledge. In the July/August issue, the conversation features Nat Auten, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Catawba Valley.
1. How did you get started in the community recreation industry?
NA: My journey started at the Dover Foundation YMCA in Shelby, North Carolina as a summer sports camp counselor and referee. What began as a job quickly became something much more meaningful. Even today, I stay connected with people from those early days, and it’s a joy to see how their lives and leadership have grown. That experience showed me the power of community, belonging and the role the YMCA can play in shaping lives.
2.What’s been a key to your team’s success? What are you most proud of?
NA: Our team has stayed united through both growth and challenge, always expecting the best while preparing for the realities of our work. We’ve grown from two branches to five, expanded to 25 afterschool sites, and strengthened our impact through philanthropy and membership growth. What I’m most proud of is none of this is the result of one person. It’s the result of a team that believes in each other, takes ownership and leads with purpose every day.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
NA: Aside from convincing my wife to marry me, I would say one of the most meaningful accomplishments has been helping lead a culture of generosity and shared ownership that doubled our endowment to over $6 million, significantly grew our annual campaign and positioned us for a transformational capital initiative. That collective effort was recognized with the NAYDO Eagle Award, but more importantly it reflects a community that believes in investing in people and possibility.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
NA: One of the greatest challenges has been leading through rapid growth while ensuring we don’t lose who we are. Expanding services, teams, and facilities can stretch capacity, systems and relationships. It has required constant focus on alignment, communication, and developing leaders so that growth strengthens the mission rather than dilutes it. I’m not sure we have this mastered but we have awareness.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other community recreation professionals can learn from?
NA: Don’t complain about something you have the power to fix. Accountability builds trust and drives progress. Blame is easy, but it limits growth and damages relationships. Leadership is choosing responsibility when it matters most.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
NA: I’m a proud Disney dad and collect Disney pins with my family. Those moments of joy, imagination, and time together are a reminder of why this work matters, creating spaces where families can connect, grow and belong.
