Debbie Wesslund

Association Services Offices

Debbie Wesslund, a seasoned civic volunteer, brings extensive governmental and organizational experience to the YMCA. Serving on the Jefferson County Board of Education from 2007–2014, including a two-year tenure as chair, she now aids the Kentucky School Boards Association in member training. Active on boards such as the League of Women Voters and the YMCA of Greater Louisville, she excels in advocacy, particularly for children, education, and health funding. Just yesterday, she returned from attending YMCA National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C., showcasing her dedication to nationwide public policy efforts. Debbie’s leadership extends to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign and Development Committee, showcasing her multifaceted contributions.

Cordelia Chandler

Chestnut Street Family YMCA

Cordelia Chandler, head of the Teaching and Learning Magnet at Central High School, is a vital volunteer at the Chestnut Street Family YMCA. She connects Y programming with the school, notably supporting Love Notes and the Peer Facilitator Model. Cordelia champions initiatives like Find Your Roots and YMCA Black Achievers, both in the classroom and community. Graduating from the YMCA Black Achievers, she now leads education clusters, deepening her ties to the program. Cordelia’s commitment transcends classrooms, enriching our YMCA family with her enthusiasm and dedication. We extend heartfelt gratitude for her impactful volunteer work.

Gaylee Gillim

Downtown Family YMCA

Gaylee Gillim, an active YMCA member for over 40 years, serves as a board member for both the YMCA of Greater Louisville Association Services Office and the Downtown Family YMCA. As Advisory Board Chair, she brings risk management and law experience, along with a genuine passion for our cause. Gaylee’s knowledge of the amusement industry and her commitment to safety led her to playing a significant role in revising the KY Department for Public Health’s Lifeguarding guidelines. Despite her achievements, Gaylee’s true impact lies in her daily volunteerism at the Y, offering advice, spearheading fundraising efforts, and embodying our mission with kindness and care. Gaylee is recognized for her extraordinary dedication and inspiration.

Lauren Sherry

National Safe Place Network

Lauren Sherry has dedicated nine years of service to the National Safe Place Network (NSPN). Serving on the Board of Directors and chairing the Strategic Initiatives Committee, Lauren, also the Community Relations Manager at QuikTrip (QT) Corporation, expands youth safety nets nationwide. Actively fostering Safe Place partnerships, Lauren visits agencies, emphasizing youth needs. She seeks to make connections in communities, whether a Safe Place program currently exists or not, personally visiting agencies and discussing the need for the Safe Place program. Lauren supports individual Safe Place entities through grants, demonstrating a commitment to NSPN’s vision of youth safety. Her invaluable contributions embody NSPN’s mission, ensuring a safer world for all youth.

Carol Krebs

Northeast Family YMCA

Carol Krebs has made a huge impact within the Northeast Family YMCA and the YMCA of Greater Louisville community. She has since become a campaigner, and a board member for the Northeast Family YMCA. During the 2023 campaign, she graciously offered to host a joint-branch fundraising event at her home, which raised just over $34,000 towards our overall association goal. She volunteers her time during early mornings and late evenings for events such as cycle-thons and Turkey Trots! Her vivacious personality, go-getter mindset, and unwavering support to continue our mission have earned her this year’s Volunteer of the Year award!

Amanda Mabson-Payton

Republic Bank Foundation YMCA

Amanda was unable to attend the event. Freddie Brown accepted the award on her behalf.

Amanda Mabson-Payton has dedicated 21 years to volunteering with the YMCA of Greater Louisville. Active on the Branch Advisory Board, she’s known for her rapport with staff and members. Amanda readily volunteers for branch needs, from assisting with events like the Halloween Candy Crawl to conducting mock interviews for Leaders Club teens. Her support during busy times is invaluable, brightening the Y with her smile and fostering community through attentive listening. For Amanda, the Y is more than a gym—it’s a hub for collaboration and empowerment, where she tirelessly advances the mission of growth and thriving for all.

Hannah Fitzgerald

YMCA Safe Place Services

Hannah Fitzgerald radiates beauty both inside and out, finding volunteering at YMCA Safe Place Services to be not just a commitment but a therapeutic and creative outlet. Her journey within our community showcases unwavering dedication and pursuit of greatness. When Hannah sets her mind to a task, she tackles it with unparalleled passion until success is achieved. Witnessing her transform our Children’s Book Corner into a masterpiece has been awe-inspiring. Hannah’s artistic prowess breathes new life into spaces, creating a fabulous atmosphere for Safe Place clients. Her generosity in sharing innovative ideas fosters creativity and growth among Youth Development Center clients. Hannah’s talent and compassion make her an invaluable asset, uplifting others with her creativity. We applaud her dedication and look forward to her continued brilliance at YMCA Safe Place Services.

Culee Jennings

YMCA Youth Sports

Culee has been part of the YMCA Youth Sports program since 2021, coaching soccer and basketball. After his first season, witnessing the value sports brought to his child’s life, he has volunteered each season since. While hundreds of coaches help for a season or two, few match Culee’s dedication. He stands out for his commitment to coaching and investing in his son’s and others’ lives on the teams he serves. YMCA Youth Sports programs everywhere would benefit from coaches who, like Culee, profoundly impact their teams.