Marie Miszewski has worn many hats in her career. Originally thinking she was going to be a teacher, she thought her time at the Pittsfield Y, a branch of the Berkshire Family YMCA, was going to be a short-term stop. Nearly half a century later, she’s looking back on her career which includes being the president and CEO of the Regional YMCA for the last 15 years.
“I hope the people I’ve worked with have been able to learn something from me being a mentor,” said Miszewski. “I hope they continue their career paths, either within the Y or not within the Y, and they had a chance to grow in this opportunity and continue having a variety of opportunities.”
Changes and Constants in the Industry
Miszewski has experienced many changes within the community rec industry and her own career which spanned multiple positions at various YMCAs. She has worked in membership, fitness development and programming among other responsibilities and roles before getting to where she is today. Perhaps the greatest change she’s seen is the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID-19 really changed a lot of people’s thoughts about how important it is to be healthy,” remarked Miszewski. “Healthy looks different for everyone. But they can’t just focus on one or two things anymore. Things like flexibility, diet and stress are more important than ever. So, I think we’ve gone away from fitness and are thinking more about what wellness looks like.”
While Miszewski has experienced some changes during her career, some things have stayed a constant in the industry. An example is aquatics. In 2017, Miszewski oversaw the covering of the outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool at the Greenknoll YMCA so it can be used year-round.
“It still amazes me how swimming is one of those consistent things,” said Miszewski. “I think as the population ages, the water becomes more and more in demand. Swimming is one of those wonderful exercises that takes the stress off the body. Water aerobics, spin in the water and paddle-board yoga are all things that have become trendy, but they’re still all about the water.”
Reaching Out to the Greater Community
Other important projects she oversaw at the Regional YMCA incudes numerous evidence-based health initiative programs for chronic disease prevention. These programs include the YMCA Diabetes Prevention and the Students Can Run and Move (S.C.R.A.M.) which combats childhood obesity.
“One of the focuses for us is getting out of our building and really working with chronic disease prevention programs within the Danbury, Connecticut area,” explained Miszewski. “There are so many challenges that our community and the whole nation struggle with. The staff have really risen to the opportunity to be a difference maker. People look at us differently as we’re no longer just a gym and place to swim for them.”
Over her 42-year career, Miszewski has learned many lessons as a leader and connected with a wide variety of people. She expressed the importance of allowing yourself to make mistakes, leaning on staff for support and learning how to start with an open mindset.
“This work is the most rewarding work I have done,” said Miszewski. “The variety in the people you meet makes a lasting impact. Not only do you get a chance to have an impact, but the community gets a chance to have an impact on you. If you embrace them and give them the opportunity to bring their expertise to the table, it’s amazing how far you can go. There’s nothing more satisfying than being able to make a difference in the community and somebody’s life.”
Want more resources like this sent straight to your inbox each week? Sign up for a digital subscription here.
