Y’s Wilkinson chosen top boss in Southeast
Published 12:05 pm Friday, November 5, 2010
Herb Wilkinson spent six years working at a YMCA in Georgia before finding home.
Forty-four years after leaving Georgia for Vicksburg, the executive director of the Vicksburg Y has been named the Southeast Region YMCA Director of the Year.
“It was a total surprise,” Wilkinson said. “I appreciate it and it is good for the Vicksburg YMCA to be recognized.
“It’s a credit to our fantastic staff that keeps the Y running smoothly.”
The award, presented by the Association of YMCA Professionals, is given to a current member for continued innovation in programs, financial management or volunteer development in his or her YMCA, said Jeffrey Keith, vice president of the region that includes Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Northwest Florida.
Steven Dickey, Director of the Brewton (Ala.) Area YMCA, cut his teeth with the YMCA in Vicksburg, under Wilkinson, from 1987-1996. It was his first job out of college.
He nominated Wilkinson for the award.
“He played a major role in my career at the Y,” Dickey said. “A lot of times, he goes under the radar because he has been there so long. He is very worthy of the award to be recognized as one of the premiere directors not only in the Southeast, but all across the United States.”
Wilkinson has spent the past 44 years with the Vicksburg YMCA. He has overseen three local YMCAs and the building of the current main branch of the Y, on East Clay Street.
“We have a really good membership base and have pretty strong programs for nonmembers,” Wilkinson said of the 4,000-member Vicksburg Y. “From youth sports to camping to aquatics, we have a broad base of services throughout the community.”
The YMCA has been a part of Vicksburg since 1923. The main branch sat at Clay and Monroe streets, before being replaced with the Purks branch off East Clay Street. The Y also has a branch at Ver Beck on Oak Ridge Road.
“Our facilities are outstanding,” Wilkinson said. “That’s due to the community having the vision to build and maintain the flagship facility.
“… Vicksburg is a great YMCA town and has been part of the fabric of the city since 1923. Folks love the Y and they continue to support it.”