Heart of the Valley YMCA hires Rob Gray as president
By GREGG PARKER
MADISON COUNTY — Heart of the Valley YMCA has appointed a new president to lead the organization.
Rob Gray has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer. Gray will start in his new leadership role on Aug. 11.
“We are excited to welcome him to North Alabama. With more than 30 years of senior leadership experience across the YMCA movement, Rob brings a deep commitment to strengthening community, expanding access and leading with purpose,” Jennifer Dykes said. Dykes serves as Director of Marketing and Communications for Heart of the Valley YMCA.
Gray has compiled a proven track record of organizational growth, strategic partnerships and community impact, she said.
“Rob is a transformational leader with deep experience in mission-driven leadership and operational excellence,” Jared Sharp said. Sharp serves as Board Chair of Heart of the Valley YMCA. “Rob Gray’s commitment to collaboration, innovation and community building makes him the ideal person to lead our YMCA into its next chapter.”
Most recently, Gray served as CEO of the Bath Area Family YMCA in Maine, where he led a major post-COVID recovery and growth effort. This initiative increased membership by 48 percent and expanded childcare services with a nationally recognized public-private partnership with the United States Navy and Bath Iron Works . . . and nearly doubling annual operating revenue.
Under his leadership, the Bath YMCA also launched a $6-million capital campaign and earned the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year award from Topsham, Bath and Brunswick Regional Authority.
Before his time in Maine, Gray held executive leadership positions at YMCAs in Maryland, Florida, Tennessee and Kentucky. Throughout his career, he has led complex multi-branch operations, overseen budgets as high as $95 million and launched groundbreaking programs in health care, early childhood education, diversity and inclusion and workforce development.
“I am deeply honored to join the Heart of the Valley YMCA, an organization with a strong legacy of strengthening communities in North Alabama,” Gray said. “Together with the staff, volunteers and partners, I look forward to advancing the Y’s mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”
The organization is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teenager; improving the nation’s health and well-being; and giving back to its communities.
Hogan Family YMCA’s address is 130 Park Square Lane in Madison. For more information, visit ymcahuntsville.org.
