In The Last Word, we sit down with an industry expert to share their wealth of knowledge. In the March/April issue, the conversation features Rob Wilkinson, the CEO of the B.R. Ryall YMCA of Northwestern DuPage County.
1. How did you get started in the community recreation industry?
RW: While attending the University of Wisconsin La Crosse, I was required to complete 25 hours of volunteer service at an area nonprofit. The Y was one of the options, so I volunteered in the afterschool program. After completing my volunteer hours, the Y offered me a job in the program, which later led to me working in multiple areas of the Y. I knew then the Y was a great place to work.
2. What’s been a key to your team’s success? What are you most proud of?
RW: Over my 35-plus years of working with the Y, I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with amazing staff members who have achieved more than they ever thought they could. Empowering staff to run their departments and allowing them to be part of the decision-making process is key to a strong operation. I’m most proud that several of my former employees have become CEOs, VPs and COOs.
3. What has been one of the biggest accomplishments of your career?
RW: My biggest accomplishment has been the recent $13 million dollar renovation of our existing 1966 facility. This project has transformed how we meet community needs like addressing Parkinson’s disease, combating Teen Mental Health issues and expanding affordable quality childcare. Engaging community leaders and Y stakeholders created buy-in and support for the project, which has now positioned the Y to be a vital resource in addressing identified community needs for years to come.
4. What has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced in your career?
RW: Early in my Y career, I took on the CEO role at a massive, aging Y facility that had three floors of abandoned units, as well as years of neglect and deferred maintenance. It was a good thing I was young, as it was a 24/7 job dealing with constant maintenance issues. I was eventually able to get funding to renovate the units to affordable senior apartments and to merge the Y with a stronger neighboring YMCA association.
5. What’s one lesson you have learned that other community recreation professionals can learn from?
RW: The best words of advice I was given early in my career was, “You can’t meet your mission if you can’t keep your doors open.” Thus, the need to be well versed in the overall financial position of the organization. I also was taught that data is your friend, and solid data will help you make good decisions. Being data-driven is a key part of being successful in our work.
6. Tell us one fact about yourself others may not know.
RW: Not many people know I’m an NFL team owner. I may not have the yacht like some of the other owners. However, I do have my official stock certificate owning a portion of the Green Bay Packers.
