YMCA of SW Kansas Announces New Hires

Garden City, Kan. – The YMCA of Southwest Kansas recently named Doug Dillingham Executive Director of the Garden City branch.  He will relieve YMCA of Southwest Kansas CEO Chad Knight of his roles within the local branch. Knight will continue to serve as CEO with a primary focus on fundraising and development for both the Garden City and Dodge City branches.

According to Knight, Dillingham’s extensive experience in recreation and wellness, and his high standards of achievement were among the deciding factors for the hiring decision.

“Doug brings a wealth of experience in wellness activities and has extensive knowledge in the field,” Knight said. “He has worked for the YMCA previously part time and wanted to make a change in his career. He felt the YMCA was good for his aspirations. We are excited to have Doug on our team.”

Dillingham was hired as the Branch Executive Director in June and began his duties July 10.  

Dillingham is a native of Holcomb, and a graduate of Fort Hays State University. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Performance from FHSU in 2005. Since then has served as wellness coordinator for the Garden City Recreation Commission and as a claims adjustor with Farm Bureau Financial Services.

 Dillingham lives in Garden City with his wife of 7 years, Garden City Community College Residential Life Director Christine Dillingham, and his two children, ages 6 and 3.

 “I’m thrilled to be back in the health and wellness field,” Dillingham said. “The YMCA is a great organization with strong programs and a lot of potential. I look forward to leading the staff in carrying out our mission and ultimately strengthening what we can offer to the community.”

The YMCA also announced the hiring of Sarah Waller as Integrated Marketing and Communications Director of the association. Her position will cover both the Dodge City and Garden City branches.

A native of Great Bend, Waller went on to study public relations and leadership at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan.  She graduated from FHSU in 2007 with a degree in Communication, and moved to the Southwest Kansas area shortly after. She has worked in advertising and marketing roles for the past 10 years, including contracted marketing services for the Southwest Kansas YMCA.