GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 17, 2023) – YMCA of Greenville announced today the promotion of leadership team members Sam Franklin, Barbie Jefferson, Diana Watson and MaryEllis Petrosian as they accept additional responsibilities in association strategic initiatives and broader staff and board leadership roles.
Sam Franklin is promoted to the position of executive vice-president and chief operating officer for the YMCA of Greenville. Franklin will continue to lead day-to-day operations at nine locations, focusing on membership and program service development. In his new capacity, Franklin will also serve as key facilitator and liaison with volunteer board members in the Y’s growth and strategic planning initiatives, as well as corporate partnership development.
Barbie Jefferson is promoted to the position of executive vice-president and chief financial officer. Jefferson will continue to oversee association financial performance matters, serving as the liaison to the board of directors’ finance committee, supporting YMCA of Greenville Foundation investment initiatives and human resources. Jefferson will also lead as the staff facilitator and liaison to the board of directors’ Christian mission committee, focusing on lifting the Y’s Christian mission, principles, and practices.
Diana Watson is promoted to the position of senior vice-president and chief philanthropy officer. Watson will continue to provide strategic leadership for the Y’s Annual Campaign, facilitate grant applications, major gifts, and capital campaign initiatives. Additionally, Watson will serve as staff liaison to the board of directors’ governance and recruitment committee, focusing on board member recruitment, board self-assessments and leading ongoing board training.
MaryEllis Petrosian is promoted to the position of executive director of foundation and fundraising innovation. Petrosian will continue to manage the day-to-day operations of the YMCA of Greenville Foundation. Petrosian will also work with the chief philanthropy officer on donor research, grant development and general strategic advancement of the association’s development initiatives.
YMCA of Greenville offers professional growth opportunities to its high-achieving leadership. With a long-standing policy of promoting from within whenever possible, the organization will continue to benefit from the staff’s years of experience and knowledge, helping the YMCA of Greenville advance its mission and improve the overall impact the Y has on all communities it serves.
To learn more about the YMCA of Greenville and the projects, programs, and services it supports, visit https://www.ymcagreenville.org/.
###
About the YMCA of Greenville, SC
The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include afterschool care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered though four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, YMCA Judson Community Center, the YMCA Program Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs.
For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.