The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) has announced the addition of five new members to its board of directors. Katie Angstadt, Brandy Smith, John Walker, Tia Wilson, and John Young have joined more than 30 returning board members, led by board chair Scott Heinerichs.

The new board members bring diverse expertise from organizations such as Comcast and Lincoln Financial. Returning board members also have a diverse array of professions within organizations such as Main Line Health, the Chester County Health Department, and Lincoln University.

YGBW employs more than 1,600 individuals annually, including program specialists, operations leaders, teachers, board-certified behavior specialists, lifeguards, camp counselors, IT professionals, marketers, human resources specialists, nationally accredited wellness staff members, finance professionals, and facilities professionals.

As YGBW continues to expand to meet the growing needs of the Chester County community, the organization has prioritized initiatives to improve local public health. Earlier this year, YGBW celebrated the launch of the Fit Truk, a mobile wellness hub designed to deliver health services to underserved areas throughout the county.

In the coming months, YGBW plans to roll out several evidence-based health interventions, including blood pressure self-monitoring, Healthy Weight and Your Child, and Walk with Ease. These programs will complement existing offerings, such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a free, 12-week intervention program for cancer survivors, which includes a complimentary YGBW membership for participants to use during the program.

In addition to public health initiatives, YGBW's senior leadership team, in partnership with its board of directors, will seek to guide the organization to achieve strategic goals focused on strengthening communities, ensuring access for all, and remaining an employer of choice in Chester County.