At the YMCA of Lincoln, people make everything possible. We are so grateful for the family of staff we have that not only make the Y a great place to be, but serve our community every day. Keep reading to meet one of our amazing staff members:
Chris Klingenberg, Executive Director of the Copple Family YMCA
How long have you been working at the YMCA of Lincoln?
I've been in my current role at the Copple Family YMCA for 3.5 years, and with the YMCA of Lincoln since 1994. I started full time with the YMCA in 1990 in Iowa.
What other roles have you had at the Y?
I came to the Lincoln YMCA as the Associate Director for Camp Kitaki in 1994 and in 2001 become the Executive Director. In 2003, I also became the Executive Director for the Northeast YMCA in 2003. In 2008, we added the supervision of the CLCs that the YMCA is the lead agency of to my role, and in 2013 I transitioned away from Camp Kitaki. In late 2016, I started as the Executive Director for the Copple Family YMCA.
What makes the YMCA of Lincoln different than other places you've worked?
The difference at the YMCA of Lincoln is the people you are with every day. The long-term friendships with volunteers, co-workers, members and program participants really stands out.
What has been your proudest career moment and why?
The proudest times I have had at the Lincoln Y have been when I have been part of the growth in others. I mentored teen leaders as volunteers at Camp Kitaki who then became a staff members and started leading others. Some of them have even gone on to become Y Directors, and are now the mentors themselves. Establishing a community feel at the YMCA where everyone is welcome is also something I am very proud of helping to facilitate.
What is your secret to making progress each day?
Understand the direction you are going, and have the end in mind. Be purposeful in your efforts.
What would you tell someone wanting to work for the YMCA of Lincoln?
Be selfless in your work and mission minded to support our community.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Be true to your character and live by your faith.
We want to extend our sincerest thanks and congratulations to Chris for helping to make the YMCA of Lincoln a great place for 30 years! We can't wait to see how he will continue to make a difference in our community in the future.