In The Last Word, we sit down with an industry expert to share their wealth of knowledge. In the 2023 November/December issue, the conversation features Buddy Evans, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Montclair.
1. How did you get started in the community recreation industry?
BE: As part of my master’s degree work, I did an internship with the YMCA of Greater Fall River in Massachusetts. I oversaw youth sports programs and upon receiving my degree, I was offered a full-time position as the youth services director with responsibilities for sports, camps and teen initiatives. Thirty years later, I’m still with the Y.
2. What’s been the key to your team’s success? What are you most proud of?
BE: Our team is very passionate about the work we do and is committed to the Y’s mission. If you have a positive attitude and enjoy helping others, then you can be part of our team. We intentionally have put together a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve, but we all have the same vision to make our communities stronger by improving the quality of life for those we serve. I’m most proud of the way our team in Montclair not only navigated our organization through the pandemic, but how we thrived during these challenging times.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
BE: I’ve been extremely fortunate to work for many great YMCA associations and have been afforded the opportunity to build new Y facilities, expand existing facilities, create innovative programs and raise a lot of money in the meantime. However, I believe my greatest accomplishment can be seen from the many Y professionals that have been part of my teams over the past 30 years and are still in the movement doing magnificent work.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
BE: The biggest challenge of my career has been saying no. My nature is to take on any challenge that has been presented to me, and I have been fortunate to work for such an amazing organization that’s always ready to address community needs. However, I’ve learned we should only lead efforts we can be the best at. Our Y can still be the community catalyst and convener to address needs, but we don’t always have to be the doer or lead agency with all issues.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other community recreation professionals can learn from?
BE: Invest in your people. Make sure to expose your team to the best training opportunities and challenge them to be forward-thinking. I challenge myself and my team to stay up on industry trends and to understand the competitive market. Most importantly, ensure you spend the time getting to know your staff, their dreams, their challenges and what motivates them.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
BE: When people get to know me, they are surprised by my competitive nature. I was raised in a blue-collar town just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and have played sports my entire life. Competition is healthy and good, and I try to be my absolute best every day. If I am going to do something, I’m going to work hard. Continuous improvement is my leading motivator in life — how can I be a better husband, father, friend, Y leader or athlete? I don’t compare myself to others, but instead strive to be the best version of myself.
