NSYMCA Aquatics Director Honored for Outstanding Leadership
The North Suburban YMCA's Aquatics Director Missy Contri received the Stormy Webster Award for Outstanding Aquatic Leadership at the recent Illinois YMCA Alliance Staff Rally.
The Stormy Webster award recognizes a YMCA Aquatics director in the YMCA Illinois Alliance who displays exceptional leadership, commitment, and the attributes of being a cause-driven leader in aquatics.
"Missy is a talented, hard-working leader who is very deserving of this award. It's always wonderful to see a member of our amazing, dedicated staff recognized for their expertise, and their commitment to the community," said Kathy Fielding, CEO of the North Suburban YMCA.
Contri began her working in aquatics more than 20 years ago. In 2002, she fulfilled her passion to became a certified lifeguard instructor, and worked on and off at the NSYMCA and other aquatic facilities before returning full-time to the NSYMCA to direct its aquatics program in 2017.
Tom March, the NSYMCA's Aquatics liaison, nominated Contri for the Stormy Webster Award. He described how Contri drove the Aquatics Department to regain members and participants after the pandemic, securing the highest session numbers within the last five years. Contri's innovative thinking included strategic partnering with local high schools, swim clubs, other pool facilities, and guard teams.
In addition, under Contri's direction, the NSYMCA took on its yearly challenge of certifying 100 lifeguards to help fill the lifeguard shortage. Classes filled quickly every year and waiting lists expanded until more participants were added to every class to fill the demand. Under Missy's leadership, the Y sent a record-breaking 189 certified lifeguards into the community by the end of 2021. In Spring 2022, the NSYMCA is on its way to reaching its yearly challenge.
The YMCA has been America's leading swim instructor for more than 100 years. NSYMCA offers group and private instructional swim lessons for infants to adults, a competitive swim team, lifeguard certification classes, and both deep and shallow water fitness classes.
For information about the Aquatics Program at North Suburban YMCA, at 2705 Techny Road, in Northbrook, visit nsymca.org.
About the North Suburban YMCA
The North Suburban YMCA services Northbrook and 14 surrounding communities with programs and tools that help its residents become healthier, more connected, and confident, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. The NSYMCA focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility and is a charitable organization, inclusive and welcoming to all in our community. Learn more at NSYMCA.org.