In The Last Word, we sit down with an industry expert to share their wealth of knowledge. In the 2025 March/April issue, the conversation features Kevin Bolding, the president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida.
1. How did you get started in the community recreation industry?
KB: I guess I actually just stumbled in. Coming out of college, I wasn’t quite sure what the future held but I knew I wanted to make a difference in my local community. When I learned what my local Y did, I was all in.
2. What’s been a key to your team’s success? What are you most proud of?
KB: We embrace change and we don’t allow hierarchal relationships to interfere with the sharing of ideas. My 30-plus years in the Y may give me a seat at the table but it need not always be at the head of the table. I’m particularly proud when one of our more junior leaders steps forward to share their ideas and passions and knows how to back up that idea with facts, data and impact. When we give everyone a seat at the table to influence our strategy, the end results are always better.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
KB: I’m incredibly proud of every direct report that has moved on to assume and excel in bigger roles. The program directors who are executives, executives who are COOs and COOs who are now CEOs. Yearly accomplishments often pale to the lasting and exponential impact of developing stronger leaders who do great things for their local communities.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
KB: Navigating a former YMCA association through bankruptcy. Nonprofits are not designed to go through bankruptcy. The process was extremely challenging but it progressed as efficiently as could be expected for the long-term betterment of the Y. We had phenomenal volunteers who helped guide us through this time and a leadership team that exceled in every aspect. However, the physical, mental and emotional toll on me as a leader will stay with me forever.
5. What is one lesson you have learned that other community recreation professionals can learn from?
KB: Tomorrow always comes. Don’t get too up or too down about what’s happening today; rather, plan for long-term impact. Community recreation is rooted in community engagement. When we learn how to listen better to our area’s needs and anticipate the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow, we can better ensure our long-term value to the community.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
KB: I planned to be a Chemistry major in college but after almost blowing up the chem-lab, I smartly pivoted to a life of community service.
