Edmond man returns to hometown roots as YMCA director
For The Oklahoman
An Edmond man soon will start his dream job while at the same time promoting the ongoing mission of the YMCA.
This November, Chris Berry will become the district executive director for the YMCA, which includes both Edmond locations, as well as Guthrie’s branch.
“The Y’s mission remains to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all,” Berry said. “It’s important for everyone to know it’s for all ages.”
Berry, 34, is now the executive director of the YMCA’s North Side location at 1000 N Pennsylvania. November will be a big month for him as his wife, Lindsay, will give birth to the couple’s first child.
He will succeed Mike Roark, who also is being promoted within the YMCA, effective Nov. 15.
“I am happy Chris accepted the offer,” Roark said. “I am very excited for our Y and Chris.”
Deep roots
Berry’s association with the Y goes back decades.
“I was playing T-ball with the Y back in 1988,” he said.
His career in the Edmond YMCA began while in high school. Berry worked his way up from there to a full-time sports coordinator, sports director and finally the associate executive director before leaving to become the executive director for the Shawnee YMCA in 2015. He later returned to the Oklahoma City area as the current executive director for the North Side Branch.
Berry also played football for Memorial High School as an offensive lineman then played at Central Methodist in Missouri. Yet, it’s Edmond he’s always considered home and couldn’t be any happier to be working here and living in a community in which he has deep roots.
“I plan on being here for a long time,” he said.
He’s especially proud of the Mitch Park YMCA, which is the largest YMCA in the metro area. The northern Edmond site opened in 2014 and cost $25.4 million. It covers 105,000 square feet and features one of the best indoor competitive swimming pools in Oklahoma.
Yet, the YMCA didn’t accomplish the Mitch Park location alone. It was part of a partnership with the city of Edmond, as well as Edmond Schools.
With all three locations, Berry will be in charge of 21 to 30 full-time personnel. During the peak of sports seasons, the number of part-time employees is 450.
While known for its athletic programs, the YMCA also stresses youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
“We have something for everyone,” he said.
For more information on the Mitch Park YMCA, call 330-4016.
A one-mile “beer” run will be Oct. 28 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City with part of the proceeds going to charity.
Participants in the Ballpark Beer Mile are encouraged to wear costumes.
Registration is now open at okcdodgers.com/ballparkbeermile.
Participants and spectators for the Ballpark Beer Mile must be 21 years of age or older at the time of the event.
A portion of the sales will go to the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation, which helps Oklahoma families, provides educational opportunities for youth and supports first responders.